Separatist's march restricted: normal life affected in Valley

Normal life in Kashmir valley was affected today as authorities restricted movement of people to prevent separatists from holding protest march.

The march Baramulla Chalo was aimed to press for release of separatist leaders,including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, arrested for organising agitations to protest against Shopian rape and murder case of May 30.
     
Fearing protest and mass mobilisation, authorities deployed police and paramilitary personnel and placed barricades on the entry points to prevent people from marching towards the district headquarters.
    
All the entry and exit points which connect the district with Kupwara, Bandipora and Srinagar were sealed and movement of people were restricted since 5 AM in parts of the north Kashmir's Baramulla district, Sopore and on sections of Srinagar-Baramulla highway, police said.

"The step has been taken with a view to maintain peace and prevent any harm to life and property," they said.
     
The restrictions, however, shall not apply to holding of prayers in mosques or burials but administration's directives would be applicable in case of any misconception, they said.

In Srinagar, morning restrictions affecting normal life. Most of the shops and business establishments, private educational institutions and banks remained closed.

However, people resumed their activities, as the restrictions were relaxed later in the day.