By Agence India Press
Srinagar: A general shutdown paralyzed life across the Valley on Friday as authorities clamped strict restrictions in the old areas of the city to ward off trouble that had started earlier this week with the death of a 14-year-old Wamiq Farooq on Sunday.
Chairman of Huriyat conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, continued to remain under house arrest for the second day. While two other pro-freedom separatist leaders, Shabir Shah and Nayeem Khan, were arrested on Wednesday to prevent them from participating in the protests here.
The heavy deployment of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were on the streets to enforce curfew-like restrictions in the most parts of the valley.
However, the situation was similar in other parts of Kashmir including Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal and Anantnag with shops, banks, and other businesses establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads even though no restrictions had been imposed.
Officials said they feared further violence in this summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Clashes between stone-pelting youth and security personnel had begun on Sunday following the death of a 14-year-old schoolboy when he was hit on the head by a teargas shell in the Rajouri Kadal area of the old city.
“The restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure to protect public life and property,” a senior police official on the conditions of anonymity told Agence India Press.
According to the official, the restrictions had been imposed in areas falling under the jurisdiction of five police stations including Khanyar, Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Rainawari and Safa Kadal.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had Thursday evening reviewed the law and order situation with senior police, paramilitary, intelligence and civil officers.
Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda has said the security forces had been instructed to maintain absolute restraint while dealing with the situation.