Restrictions were re-imposed in Kashmir to thwart protests after Friday prayers. Roads leading to the UN Military Observation Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) at Sonanwar in Srinagar were sealed off with coils of concertina by police and CRPF.
Strict restrictions were put in place after posters appeared in Srinagar on Thursday, urging people to march to the UN office after Friday prayers. However, it was not clear who gave the call for the march to UNMOGIP.
In the past, such calls have been issued by the separatists. Nonetheless, after the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A, separatists have not issued any calls for protests.
Most separatists, baring Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, have been arrested. Some have been arrested by the NIA on charges of terror funding.
No Friday prayers were held in the historic Jamia Masjid for the third consecutive Friday.
Officials said restrictions were re-imposed to ensure maintenance of law and order. The tightening of restrictions added to the anxiety caused by a communication blockade on Kashmir since August 5.
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Business establishments, shops and education institutions continue to remain shut for 19th consecutive day. Public transport too is yet to return to the roads. Some private vehicles were seen plying in some parts of the Valley.
Normal life has been badly affected by the imposition of restriction and communication blockade by the government.
The administration has put under preventive detention scores of people, including several former chief ministers, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. Several mainstream leaders, including Sajad Lone, Imran Ansari, M.Y. Tarigami and others have also been detained. Several political workers of mainstream parties and civil society and business community members like Yasin Khan, Mubeen Shah have also been put under preventive detention.
Some detainees have been lodged in jails in Haryana and Agra. According to sources, the Centaur Hotel, where many political workers have been lodged, has been declared a sub-jail.
The government, on August 19, declared that primary schools can be opened, but a vast majority of students stayed away. Same was the case with middle schools that were declared open on August 21.
Attendance in government offices continues to be thin as the public transport is yet to resume services in Kashmir.
