Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Police has directed internet service providers to block social media sites and snap mobile internet services in Kashmir for an indefinite period from Thursday evening two days ahead of the first death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July8.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Munir Ahmad Khan, in an order has directed lease line internet service providers in Kashmir to block all social media sites via lease lines from 10 pm tonight.

“In view of the apprehensions of misuse of internet services by anti-social elements, which is likely to cause deterioration in law and order situation, you are directed to block all the social media sites on lease lines in Kashmir from 10 pm today till further orders,” reads the order issued by IGP.

The order further states that if it is not possible for the service providers to block the social media sites, then the internet service should be shut down for indefinite period from tonight.

Police sources said authorities are likely to suspend 2G, 3G and 4G data services across the Valley as a precautionary measure for next few days to prevent circulation of videos, audios and pictures on social media and whatsapp on first death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani anniversary.

Burhan was killed in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir’s Kokernag area on July 8, 2016.

His killing triggered over five month long unrest in the Valley during which 90 people were killed and over 13000 injured in security forces firing on protestors during clashes.

The separatists have issued a week long schedule to observe the first death anniversary of Burhan in the Valley. They have called for shutdown on July 8 and asked people to march towards Tral, the native town of Burhan on the day.

Sources said as a precautionary measure, the Railways have also decided to suspend train service between Banihal and Banihal for two days from tomorrow.

The security apparatus across the valley, especially in south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam has been beefed up.

The police, CRPF, army, BSF and ITBP personnel have been deployed in strength in south Kashmir and other parts of the Valley to maintain law and order and foil anti-India protests and separatist rallies.

“Whatever measures are needed to maintain law and order would be taken. Every preventive measure would be taken to ensure peace in the Valley,” IGP Kashmir Munir Khan said.

He said no unlawful assembly or unlawful gathering would be allowed in any part of the Valley by the security personnel.

“Nobody would be allowed to disturb law and order situation in the Valley,” Khan said.

The IGP said security forces are on high alert to foil separatist rallies and any possible militant strikes.

“Anti-militancy and law and order measures would be taken by the security forces for ensuring peace in the Valley,” he added.

The authorities have decided to impose restrictions in parts of Valley from tomorrow.

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone, said restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC will remain in force in areas falling under Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal police stations tomorrow to avoid any untoward incident.

Deputy Commissioner Baramulla also issued orders imposing prohibitory restrictions under Section 144 CrPc on July 7 and 8 in the north Kashmir district to maintain peace and tranquility and prevent loss to human life and public property.