Tight security on anniversary of Afzal Guru's hanging

A protest shutdown called by the various separatist groups on the third death anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru on Tuesday affected normal life in summer capital Srinagar and other towns in Kashmir Valley.

Authorities imposed curfew-like-restrictions in areas falling under seven police stations of the city early Tuesday morning.

State Director General of Police K Rajendra Kumar reviewed the overall situation in the valley at a high level meeting and has asked the police to put in place efficient measures for maintaining peace and order.

Rajendra said that 'safety and security of the people is our prime concern and every effort of the elements inimical to peace should be foiled firmly'.

He said the restrictions have been imposed in Khanyar, Maharajgunj, Rainawari, Safakadal and Nowhatta areas of the city while additional deployment of forces has been carried out in Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations for maintaining law and order.

Normal life was affected as separatist groups have called for a general strike today over the hanging of Guru, who was sent to the gallows in 2013 following his conviction in the Parliament attack case. His body was buried in Tihar Jail in Delhi.

While top separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq are out of station, several others were detained or put under house arrest on Monday.

Meanwhile, CRPF has put all its units across Kashmir on high alert in view of the strike call.

All CRPF establishments and units have been put on high alert in view of strike and protest call given by all factions of Hurriyat and all the separatists on February 9, 10 and 11, a CRPF spokesman said in a statement in Srinagar.

In view of stone-pelting incidents on Fridays and Sundays in Old City areas, CRPF troops deployed in the city have been asked to keep close watch and maintain active coordination with police to counter any propaganda or provocation by the separatists, the spokesman said.

CRPF DIG (Operations) Srinagar Sanjeev Dhundia reviewed the security situation and asked officers and jawans to remain vigilant and alert, and to take adequate measures to prevent injuries to personnel.

Photographs: Umar Ganie