Restrictions clamped in parts of Srinagar

Authorities imposed restrictions on Saturday in parts of Srinagar’s Old City as separatists observed a “martyrs week” in the Kashmir Valley in memory of two senior leaders.

Authorities said restrictions on assembly of people were clamped in areas falling under the jurisdiction of three police stations: M.R. Gunj, Nowhatta and Safa Kadal.

“This has been done to maintain law and order,” a police officer said.

Separatists are observing a “martyrs week” (Hafta-e-Shahdat) to commemorate the death anniversary of separatist leaders Mirwaiz Maulana Muhammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone.

While unknown gunmen killed Mirwaiz Farooq on May 21, 1990, Lone was killed in Eidgah grounds of Srinagar during the Mirwaiz’s commemoration function on May 21, 2002.

The separatists have announced a rally to the Eidgah grounds to be led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat group and son of the late Mirwaiz.