By IANS,
Srinagar : Curfew like restrictions were enforced here Thursday to prevent a march by separatists to the Jamia mosque in the old city area of Nowhatta. Shops, traffic, educational institutions, banks and other business establishments remained closed in the city. Local and central reserve police force (CRPF) personnel were out in strength.
The joint coordination committee of both the separatist Hurriyat groups had announced a march to the Jamia mosque Thursday as part of the separatist resistance programme.
“We have decided to go ahead with the march despite the restrictions imposed by the authorities,” Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat group, told reporters on phone from his uptown Nigeen residence where he has been placed under house arrest.
“Nobody will be allowed to violate the restrictions. Section 144 (of the criminal procedure code) is in force in the city and as such an assembly of four or more people shall be deemed as unlawful,” a police official told IANS here.
All the entry points to the Jammu and Kashmir summer capital have been sealed to prevent marchers reaching here from other districts.
Kashmir University has announced postponement of all the examinations which were scheduled for the day.
Jammu and Kashmir, which is under governor’s rule, will vote in seven-phased polls Nov 17-Dec 24 to elect a new 87-member assembly. Results will be announced Dec 28.