Fresh Restrictions Imposed In Parts Of Srinagar

Fresh restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar on Friday to maintain law and order in view of congregational prayers, even as the stalemate following the abrogation of Article 370 entered its 40th day with schools closed and public transport off the roads, officials said. Fresh restrictions have been imposed in areas around Hazratbal, while the curbs continued in five police station areas of downtown interior areas of the city, the officials said. They said the restrictions under Section 144 CRPC have been imposed to maintain law and order. The authorities have been imposing restrictions in vulnerable areas of the valley every Friday, apprehending that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests. Friday prayers have not been allowed at any of the major mosques of shrines including Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta or Dargah Sharief in Hazratbal – in the valley for the past over a month now.