Restrictions Over Protests Affects Life in Kashmir Valley

SRINGAGAR: The authorities have imposed restrictions in Srinagar city and other major towns of the Valley on Thursday to prevent separatist called protests to mark the death anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) founder Maqbool Bhat.

Bhat was executed in Delhi's Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984.

Valley-wide shutdown and protests have been called today by separatists to press for return of Bhat's mortal remains to the family and to highlight the Kashmir problem.

JKLF has also called a protest march to city centre Lal Chowk in Srinagar today.

Authorities had clamped curfew like restrictions in and around Lal Chowk on Wednesday and has continued the same.

"Restrictions will remain in force in Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safa Kadal, Kralkhud and Maisuma areas in Srinagar to maintain law and order," a senior police officer said.

Restrictions have also been imposed in north Kashmir's Sopore, Baramulla, Trehgam and some other towns.

"In Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag and Shopian towns also adequate deployment has been made to maintain law and order," police sources said.

Train services between Baramulla and Bannihal town were also cancelled.

In areas where restrictions were not imposed by the authorities, shops, public transport and other business establishments remained closed due to calls for shutdown.

Meanwhile, JKLF chairman Yasin Malik continued to remain in detention for the last three days as authorities apprehended he would lead protests in Srinagar.