Srinagar, Aug 5: Strict restrictions crippled life in Kashmir for second consecutive day on Wednesday.
Restrictions, according to the officials, were imposed to thwart protests and prevent any law and order problems on the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
It was on this day last year that the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J&K’s special status and divide J&K into two union territories.
Reports said the entire Nallahmar road remained closed for any traffic and pedestrian movement for the second day on Wednesday. However, there were more nakas and road blocks today against yesterday, when there was official curfew. Security forces had closed road with barbed wire at Tarabal, Nawa Kadal, Rajouri Kadal and Gojwara. However, one tube of the road at Kawdara was open and only pedestrians were being allowed to move.
People living on both sides of the Nallahmar alleged that they are facing strict restrictions for the second day today. Milkmen and vegetable vendors were again not allowed to enter the area from outskirts, they alleged.
The historic Jamia Masjid has remained closed since March this year. However, today large number of security forces and police personnel had been deployed to prevent assembly of people. Roads leading to historic worship place were closed with barbed wire at Rangar stop, Gojwara and Nowhatta. Security forces have also closed road at Khanyar and TRC bridge, where only one side was open and only those having valid passes were allowed to move while others were being directed to return back to their homes.
Road leading to civil lines remained closed for the second day today with barbed wires. Barbar Shah bridge was also closed and only small portion of the road was open where only two wheelers and bicycle could pass.
Situation in the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital, was no different. Strict restrictions continued for the second day today. The Amira Kadal bridge, connecting Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) with Lal Chowk was closed completely and even pedestrians were directed to take Budshah Chowk route. Pedestrians were allowed to cross bridge yesterday. Goni Khan and Mahraj Bazar markets were closed from both sides with barbed wires and security forces remained deployed to implement restrictions.
Restrictions also continued in the uptown areas in Srinagar where security forces had closed main roads at Natipora and Rambagh. The Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh fly over was also closed this time.
Reports of restrictions were also received from other major towns and tehsil headquarters in the Valley.
