Jamia Masjid closed, JRL protests against NIA raids
Srinagar, Sep 15: Authorities on Friday imposed restrictions in Srinagar parts falling under the jurisdiction of five Police Stations while the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) staged protest against the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids and arrests.
Pic by, Shah Jehangir/FK
An official said that the restrictions under section 144 CrPc were imposed in the Srinagar areas falling under the jurisdiction of five Police Stations including Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident.
A huge contingent of forces was deployed in these areas to thwart any possible protest called by JRL including Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik.
The protest was called against the NIA raids and arrests.
Pic by, Shah Jehangir/FK
The forces who were deployed on roads had erected concertina wires to thwart the vehicular movement in restriction bound areas.
Authorities also barred people to offer the mandatory congregational prayers at the historic Jami Masjid here. Locals said that a heavy contingent of force was deployed around the Jamia Masjid here who disallowed people to offer the congregational prayers there.
The authorities had also placed the head cleric of Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house detention at his Nigeen residence on Thursday evening.
Pic by, Shah Jehangir/FK
Besides imposing restrictions, the authorities had also suspended the teaching activity in all the educational institutes and colleges today.
As reported by KNS, the official on Thursday had said, “In the evening we had decided to close higher secondary schools and colleges only.”
Meanwhile, as soon as the Friday congregational prayers culminated at Gaw Kadal Masjid, the JRL leaders and activists took to streets and protested against the NIA raids and arrests.
The protesters were holding placards and were chanting slogans against NIA and Government of India.
Pic by, Shah Jehangir/FK
The JRL leaders termed the NIA raids and arrests of political leaders, journalists and others as frustration of Government of India.
They said that the NIA raids are aimed to defame the pro-freedom leaders and the freedom movement.
Pic by, Shah Jehangir/FK
The protesters further added that the government of India with the full support of the state government is trying every bid to change the demography of the state, which will be opposed tooth and nail. (KNS)
