Srinagar under curfew ahead of proposed march

Srinagar, July 2 (ANI): Ahead of a proposed march by separatists, authorities on Friday brought the entire Srinagar district under curfew.

The step to extend curfew was taken ahead of the separatists' plan to organise a march to Eidgah martyrs' graveyard.

Additional contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to strictly enforce the curfew.

The Eidgah ground has been sealed by police and paramilitary forces with barbed wires.

Armoured vehicles have been placed around it to prevent people from assembling there.

There was no relaxation in curfew in Sopore, Baramulla, Mattan, Bijbehara, Dooru, Kokernag, Achhabal in Anantnag, Qaimoh in Kulgam and Pulwama districts of south Kashmir.

All shops, educational institutions, banks, petrol pumps, business establishments and government offices remained closed.

"There is a complete curfew here... and we have our examinations today. It has become very difficult for us to reach the university. It has been half an hour since I have left my house and I haven't reached anywhere. I am still at Lal Chowk," complained Imtiyaz Ahmad, a student.

Meanwhile, state authorities have said that the government has been compelled to impose such restrictions.

"The government does not want to impose restrictions or curfew but is compelled to do so. People should understand that the government is not forced to take such a decision; it is clear that the government will always be supportive. If people live in peace, then the government will provide every chance for peace," said Ghulam Hassan Mir, Agricultural Minister, Jammu and Kashmir Government.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asked his ministers to visit various areas to restore peace in the Valley. (ANI)