SRINAGAR: In an apparent attempt to foil separatist rallies on martyrs' day tomorrow, authorities today announced imposition of restrictions on the movement of public and transport in five police station areas of downtown Srinagar.
"For maintaining law and order, peace and tranquillity in the Srinagar city, District Magistrate has imposed restrictions on the movement of public and transport under section 144 CrPC in the jurisdiction of police stations Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal and Maharaj Gunj," an official spokesman said.
He said the restrictions will come into effect from midnight of July 12.
July 13 is observed as Martyrs' day in memory of 22 Kashmiris who were shot dead by Dogra troops outside Central jail in Srinagar on the day in 1931. Both separatist and mainstream leaders in Kashmir lay claim to the legacy of these martyrs.
While the separatists have called for a general strike and had planned a march to Naqashband Sahib shrine where the martyrs' are laid to rest, mainstream camp including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also expected to pay a visit to the graveyard tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Chief minister described the martyrs' as "heroes of the struggle" against "suppression and autocracy" and said the best way to pay homage to the martyrs is to help create equitable environment for everyone to grow and nurture in a democratic atmosphere.
In a message on the eve of Martyrs' Day, Omar said the sacrifice made by martyrs to free the society from autocracy, and lay edifice for democracy and human dignity is one of the richest chapters of the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Let all of us join hands to develop a society based on justice and principles of secular democratic temperament," he said adding "tolerance and respect for each others' viewpoints, whether we agree to these or not, is the soul of democracy."
He said the martyrs of July 13 laid their lives to uphold principal of natural justice and democracy.
He also prayed for peace and development in the state