Security Restrictions in Kashmir to Prevent Separatists' Rallies

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Nov 14: Authorities imposed security restrictions in restive Kashmir to prevent separatist Kashmiri leaders from staging anti-India rallies.

Hardline separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was recently operated on in the Indian capital, returned Friday to address an anti-election rally at the Srinagar Tourist Reception Centre (TRC). Moderate Kashmiri separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called for "Bandipora March" in North Kashmir to campaign against the elections.

The authorities deployed thousands of police and para-military personnel in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to thwart the marches. The security restrictions were enforced despite heavy snowfall in Kashmir.

At several places in Srinagar, the soldiers did not allow people to come out of their homes. "We were not allowed to move out from our homes in the morning and purchase vegetables and milk," a resident of historic Jamia Masjid said.

The hardline Kashmiri leader, who was supposed to return on Friday, could not attend, because his flight was cancelled due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir.

The authorities also placed the moderate Kashmiri leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and his associates under house arrest to prevent them from marching towards North Kashmir's Bandipora area to address anti-election rallies.

Owing to heavy snowfall in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir, people mostly preferred to stay indoors. All the roads and lanes in Srinagar were deserted because of security restrictions and snowfall.

Security restrictions were eased after 1600 hours.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.

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