No restrictions on Wednesday

Srinagar, Feb 11: Amid restrictions and

undeclared curfew Kashmir shuts for the

third consecutive day on Tuesday on the

30th death anniversary of Jammu and

Kashmir Liberation Front founder

Muhammad Maqbool Bhat, who was

executed in New Delhi's Tihar Jail on

February 11, 1984, for his alleged

involvement in anti-India activities.

Police arrested at least six Jammu and

Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) activists

when they tried to take out a march in

Maisuma Srinagar. They were detained in

Police Station Kothi Bagh. Some youth

pelted stones on policemen when they

foiled the march. Police however,

exercised restraint and did not retaliate.

Concertina wires were placed at some

parts, however as the day passed, all the

barricades were lifted to pave way for

smooth movement of people and private

transport. However, people observed

complete shutdown while all the shops

and business establishments remained

closed. Public and private transport were

off the roads while police and paramilitary

personnel remained deployed in strength

in sensitive areas of the valley including

several parts of Srinagar city.

Pertinently, Separatists groups had called

for a three-day strike from Sunday to mark

the death anniversaries of Parliament

attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru, and

Bhat, following which curfew-like

restrictions were imposed in most parts of

the valley on February 9 which continued

on Tuesday as well.

Complete shutdown was also observed in

other parts of Kashmir including the native

village of Muhammad Maqbool Bhat.

Scores of Police and Para-military

troopers were deployed in Thregam, the

native hamlet of Bhat to thwart any

protest. However, the situation remained

peaceful and people were allowed to move

freely without any restrictions.

A procession was taken out in Thregam

that was led and addressed by former

JKLF militant commander Shiekh

Muhamma Afzal. Large number of people

who were part of the procession amid pro-

freedom slogans visited the house of

Muhammad Maqbool Bhat and paid rich

tributes to Muhammad Maqbool Bhat.

Police arrested a youth namely Asif Noor

Wani a resident of Wahparrey Mohalla in

Hajin tehsil of Bandipora District when

scores of youth amid pro freedom slogans

resorted to stone pelting over the police

and CRPF personnel deployed on roads.

The clashes continued for hours while the

police used tear smoke shells to disperse

the agitated youth. People of Naidkhai

alleged that due to stringent curfew they

are not being allowed even to venture out

from their houses.

A top official told CNS that there will be

no restrictions on Wednesday.

“Restrictions were imposed to maintain

peace in Kashmir. There will be no

restrictions from Wednesday,” he said.