Srinagar, Sep 28 : Curfew-like restriction continued on Friday in the downtown as a precautionary measure following strike called by separatists in protest against death of a youth in security force action during Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Noorbagh area of the city.
All gates of historic Jamia masjid, stronghold of chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC), remained closed and security forces deployed to prevent people from entering the worship place.
Security forces and state police personnel deployed in strength have closed all main and link roads with barbed wire and people were being directed to remain indoors.
Restrictions were imposed early Thursday in the downtown and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) areas of the city as a precautionary measure after a 24-year-old Mohammad Saleem Malik was killed in security force action during CASO at Noorbagh area of the downtown.
Locals said security forces were withdrawn last night and again deployed early this morning.
The main Nallahmar road from Nawa Kadal to Khanyar has been closed for any traffic or pedestrian movement.
Security forces had closed the road with barbed wire at several places, including Nawa Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Bohri Kadal and Khanyar. People living on both sides of the road alleged that they were directed to remain indoor.
The local bread makers were also not allowed to open their shops, they said, adding that milkmen and vegetable vendors from outskirts were also not allowed to enter the area where restrictions have been imposed.
However, the road, leading to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) through Eidgah was open and only patients and paramedical staff and Ambulances were being allowed.
All roads leading to historic Jamia Masjid have been closed and a large number of security forces have been deployed in the Jamia market and adjoining areas. Security forces have closed the road at Rangar stop, Nowhatta and Gojwara.
Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the restricted areas. Educational institutions, government offices and banks also remained closed.
The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) hascalled for a general strike against the killing of Malik yesterday.
