Restrictions continued in parts of Srinagar city for the second day on Tuesday following the death of a youth in security forces firing in Palhallan area of Baramulla district during protests on the second anniversary of execution of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru.
Curfew-like restrictions continued in Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj, Khanyar, Rainawari and Nowhatta police station areas in the old city and Maisuma police station area in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, officials said.
“Restrictions under Section 144 CrPC remain in force in these areas for maintaining law and order,” Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone said.
Residents of old city said police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force have been deployed in large numbers while many lanes and by lanes have been sealed by concertina wires to prevent people from pouring out on main roads.
The restrictions under Section 144 CrPC were imposed on Monday as separatists had planned to stage protests on Guru's second execution anniversary and demand the return of his mortal remains.
A youth, Farooq Ahmad Bhat, was killed and another injured in security forces firing at Palhallan during the protest, forcing the authorities to continue the prohibitory orders.
As the body of Farooq Ahmad Bhat reached Palhallan, hundreds of people staged protests shouting anti-government slogans. Security has been tightened in and around the area.
Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary CRPF has been made at Palhallan and adjoining areas to prevent a flare up in the situation in view of on Monday’s incident, the officials said.
Life in rest of the Valley was also affected as separatist groups called for a strike to protest against Bhat's killing.
Both the groups of the separatist conglomerate, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference called for a shutdown on Tuesday and appealed people to stage protests.
Commercial establishments were closed and public transport remained off the roads due to the strike.
Image: Security personnel stand guard during a strike called given by separatist groups on the second anniversary of execution of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru, at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Monday. Photograph: S Irfan/ PTI
