Srinagar, Mar 08 (KNS): Authorities on Friday imposed restrictions in Srinagar parts while a complete shutdown to protest against ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, arresting its leadership and activists, PSA on Muhammad Yasin Malik, attempts to fiddle with the hereditary state subject law under the pretext of 35A and intimidating NIA raids against Kashmiris.
Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) had called for a shutdown today besides protest post-Friday prayers here against what they termed as evil designs and oppression unleashed by India.
Following the call given by JRL, all the shops, business establishments and petrol pumps remained closed today while as the traffic was also thin on the roads. Besides, the private offices across the Valley were also closed in view of the shutdown call.
However, restrictions were imposed in Srinagar areas by the authorities to prevent any protests called by JRL.
Police and paramilitary troopers were deployed in large number in restriction bound areas here, eyewitnesses said, adding that the forces had also erected concertina wires on roads.
Nonetheless, for the second consecutive week today, the mandatory Friday congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid were disallowed by the authorities today.
A huge number of forces personnel were deployed around Jamia Masjid here while as all the four gates of historic Masjid remained closed today, they added.
Besides, Jamia Masjid’s head cleric and Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who continued to remain under house detention from last evening was barred from leading prayers today at the historic Masjid here.
Mirwaiz in a tweet also said that Jamia Masjid remained closed for the prayers for the second consecutive week today, adding that people have been caged in homes while as leadership has been either put under house arrest or have been put behind the bars.
“For the 2nd consecutive week mandatory Friday Prayers barred at #JamaMasjid Srinagar by the ruling regime. Restrictions Imposed in #ShareKhaas, People caged in homes, leadership either under #HouseArrest or jailed under PSA,” Mirwaiz tweeted.
Meanwhile, JRL workers and activists staged a protest at Maisuma after Friday prayers to demand release of JKLF chief Yasin Malik and revocation of ban on Jama’at-e-Islami.
Scores of leaders and activists gathered at Maisuma and raised slogans and demanded the release of Malik who was booked under Public Safety Act and shifted to Kot Balwal jail in Jammu yesterday.
The protesters also demanded the revocation of ban on JeI and release of all political prisoners lodged in various jails in and outside the state. (KNS)