Srinagar, May 17 (KNS): A complete shutdown was on Friday observed across the Valley to protest against the killing of Pattan youth, civilian in Bhaderwah and Pulwama.

The call for the shutdown was given by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) against the killings of civilians Arshad Ahmad Dar (Pattan), Raies Ahmad Dar (Pulwama) and Nayeem Ahmad Shah (Baderwah).

However, the restrictions were imposed by the district administration in Srinagar areas to thwart any protests against the killings.

Witnesses said that various Srinagar areas in Old City here were put under restrictions today, adding that a large number of police and paramilitary troopers were deployed in the restriction bound areas who had erected concertina wires, thus halting pedestrians as well as vehicular movement.

Moreover, the mandatory Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid were today disallowed by the authorities.

A large number of forces personnel were deployed around Jamia Masjid here while as all the four gates of historic Masjid remained closed today, they added.

Locals said that the forces were deployed in the area since the wee hours this morning who didn’t allow them to offer the prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid today.

Meanwhile Jamia Masjid’s head cleric and Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed closure of Jamia Masjid as ‘hurting the sentiments of the people’.

“In the holy month of Ramadan also, the biggest mosque of valley is locked down and put under siege. Thousands of Muslims are denied the right to pray there. Such measures reflect the rulers utter disdain for people’s religious rights or hurting their sentiments which is very sad,” Mirwaiz tweeted.

Besides, following the call given by JRL, a complete shutdown as observed across the Valley.

All the shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and other establishments remained closed throughout the day while as traffic was also thin on the roads. (KNS)