Parts of Srinagar city, including commercial hub of Lal Chowk, on Saturday remained partially shut following mass arrests of separatists.
Most of the shops were closed in Lal Chowk and adjacent areas like Maisuma and Koker Bazar after news of arrests of JKLF chief Yasin Malik and dozens of Jamat-e-Islami leaders spread in the area.
However, traffic plied normally in the area.
Witnesses said that there was commotion in the area following reports of mass arrests and deployment of additional companies of the central police.
Police has, however, termed the arrests and deployment of the forces a routine process to “ensure free and fair elections”.
In a massive crackdown, authorities have detained Yain Malik and dozens of Jama’at-e-Islami cadres in the Kashmir Valley, including its top leadership during a mass crackdown.
The nocturnal raids were conducted in south, central and north Kashmir districts to mop up the senior-most members of the political group.