Cleric's execution: Restrictions imposed in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar to thwart protests by the members of Shia community against the execution of prominent cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia.

Restrictions have been imposed in the police station areas of Rainawari and Zadibal in the summer capital, officials said.

They said the decision to impose restrictions in these areas was taken as a precautionary measure to thwart protests by the Shia community members.

Meanwhile, a shutdown was observed in many areas of Budgam district against the execution of the Shia cleric, the officials said.

A Saudi national, al-Nimr, had participated in the Arab Spring protests in 2011. The execution of al-Nimr along with 46 other men, including Shia activists and Sunnis accused of involvement in deadly Al-Qaeda attacks, was announced by the Saudi interior ministry.