Curfew like situation in Kashmir ahead of separatists protests

SRINAGAR: A curfew-like situation prevailed in the Kashmir valley as authorities deployed thousands of security personnel to scuttle any attempt by separatists to stage a protest march to Jamia Masjid in the city on Friday.

Heavy deployment has been made in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley as the Chairman of hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, is likely to return here from New Delhi and proceed to Jamia Masjid to lead a protest march.
The police and paramilitary personnel were seen driving back people to their homes and patrolling the deserted streets to foil any attempt by separatists to assemble.

In view of strict restrictions imposed by the security forces and a general strike called by coordination committee of separatists and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, all shops and business establishments, government offices, educational institutions, banks, courts and other institutions remained closed.

All modes of transport are off the roads here and other parts of the valley.

Some residents alleged that security personnel were not allowing them to come out of their houses as "curfew" has been imposed. "Police vehicles fitted with public address system made a round of the city at around 5 am asking people not to venture out of their houses as curfew has been imposed," one of the local residents said.

However, a police spokesman denied imposition of curfew but said security forces have been given strict orders not to allow movement of four or more people at a place.