Srinagar: Authorities on Friday imposed restrictions in Nowhatta area of downtown on the second death anniversary of slain militant, Sajad Ahmed Gilkar alias Sajad Bila as a precautionary measure. “

Restrictions were imposed under section 144 at Nowhatta to maintain peace,” an official said.

Witnesses said that heavy deployment of forces was also made in the area since morning to enforce curbs. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr Haseeb Mughal said restrictions were imposed to prevent protests on the anniversary of slain militant.

Meanwhile, locals have observed shutdown in the area to remember Sajad. Besides, the mandatory Friday congregational prayers were disallowed at historic Jamia Masjid in Old city area of Nowhatta. All the four gates of the Jamia Masjid remained locked today, witnesses said.

Hurriyat conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who addresses gathering at Jamia Masjid was also placed under house detention. Meanwhile, Hurriyat (M) and Awami Action Committee said that barring people from offering congregational Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid putting curbs in and around downtown is extremely unfortunate and interference in religious obligations of people.

It also castigated the decision of putting APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest. Mirwaiz was supposed to chair the meeting of AAC and Hurriyat at Mirwaiz Manzil regarding the March to martyr’s graveyard at Naqashband Sahib (RA) shrine, Khawaja Bazar on July 13 (Saturday) to pay tributes to martyrs of July 13, 1931, but due to house arrest could not do so.

The statement said it is a ‘highly undemocratic’ aimed at throttling the freedom of speech and expression. Meanwhile, AAC recalled the great and supreme sacrifices of the martyrs of July 13, 1931 and paid tributes to them. AAC said that these martyrs were the first to raise their voice in J&K against the oppressive autocratic rule who sacrificed their life fighting it. A

AC said since then people of Kashmir are involved in a struggle for realization of their will and aspirations continues since then in which lacs of people have lost their lives. AAC said people of Kashmir want that their sentiment should be addressed and a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue should be found. That is the best tribute to these martyrs. (KNO)