Curfew-like situation due to prohibitory orders, strike call in Srinagar

Curfew-like situation prevailed in Srinagar today on the visit of prime minister Manmohan Singh to Kashmir as authorities imposed prohibitory orders in parts of old city while a near-total shutdown was observed in rest of the areas following a strike called by separatists.

Hundreds of police and paramilitary forces personnel were seen patrolling the deserted streets in the old city areas as authorities enforced Section 144 CrPC under four police stations of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safakadal and Maharajgun, official sources said.

Life in the city remained disrupted as shops and business markets, educational institutions and semi-government offices remained closed.

Traffic was off the roads in response to the call given by chairman of hardline faction of hurriyat conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the visit of the prime minister.

Regarding the strike call, Geelani said, "India, instead of looking at Kashmir through the viewpoint of its stooges, should have first hand information of the ground situation here."
   
He said "We have no love for enforcing strike, which hits our economy but there is no other option but to protest. Today's strike is in protest against Manmohan Singh's visit to Kashmir, continued human rights violations, Machhil fake encounter, unidentified mass graves and military oppression".