Restrictions in Srinagar to prevent separatist march

Srinagar, May 21: The authorities on Thursday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar to prevent a separatist march.

Moderate separatist conglomerate headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has called for a march to Eidgah martyrs graveyard in the old city on Thursday to commemorate the deaths of his father late Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq and another senior separatist leader, Abdul Gani Lone.

Unidentified assassins killed Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq in his Nigeen residence on May 21, 1990.

Abdul Gani Lone was killed on May 21, 2002 in Srinagar city during a separatist rally held to commemorate the death of the elder Mirwaiz.

"In order to maintain law and order in the city, restrictions have been imposed in areas falling under five police stations of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safa Kadal and Maisuma," a senior police officer told IANS in Srinagar.

Business establishments remained shut, public transport stayed off the roads

Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and hardline senior separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani have been put under house arrest in Srinagar to prevent their participation in the separatist rally.

Shops, public transport, other business establishments and educational institutions remained shut in areas where restrictions were imposed by the authorities.

In uptown city, most business establishments remained shut and public transport stayed off the roads while skeletal private vehicles plied.

Contingents of police and paramilitary forces in full riot gear have been deployed in areas placed under restrictions and also at other sensitive places.

IANS