A complete shutdown is being observed on the hanging anniversary of Maqbool Bhat, while authorities deployed contingents of paramilitary forces to thwart any attempts of protests by the people.
In summer capital Srinagar’s downtown locality, strict restrictions were imposed by the authorities.
Residents said that contingents of forces arrived early in the morning. Curbs have been laid at all the entry and exit points of the old city. People are allowed to move only after thorough frisking and checking by the forces.
At many places in downtown, boys were seen playing roadside cricket.
Business establishments and shops are closed with markets wore a deserted look in Srinagar.
Similar reports have been coming from other areas of the region.
However, private vehicles are seen plying normally in the uptown areas of Srinagar.
Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had called for complete shutdown on the hanging anniversary of Bhat.
Shutdown was observed in Banihal town as well on the Bhat’s hanging anniversary. Reports said all commercial establishments in the area remained closed, while traffic was off the roads.