Restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar, Kupwara districts

Srinagar, Apr 13: Authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar and Kupwara districts to thwart protests against the killing of three persons in firing by security forces in Handwara.

Restrictions have been imposed in six police station areas of Srinagar city and Handwara area of Kupwara in north Kashmir, a police official said.

He said restrictions were imposed in Rainawari, Maharajgunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safakadal and Maisuma police station areas of Srinagar as a precautionary measure in view of apprehensions of law and order problems.

However, the official said, in view of Baisakhi festival, members of Sikh community here would be allowed to move during the day. Separatist groups have called for a strike against the killings.

Most of the shops, business establishments and petrol pumps were shut in areas other than those were restrictions have been imposed. Public transport was off the roads while private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying, the official said.

He said reports of shutdown were received from most of the district headquarters of the Valley. The effect of the strike was accentuated in view of the Baisakhi holiday, he said.

Two youth -- Iqbal Ahmad and Nayeem Bhat -- were killed in firing by security forces on protestors in Handwara town which erupted yesterday after alleged molestation of a girl student by soldiers. A woman Raja Begum (55) who was injured in the firing, succumbed at a hospital here today.

PTI