Thousands of police and paramilitary forces in riot gear patrolled downtown Srinagar and enforced a strict curfew.
Sectarian clashes are rare in Kashmir valley, but there were a few minor incidents at Zadibal in old city on Wednesday.
Main roads in Lal Bazar, Zadibal, Nigeen, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, M.R. Gunj, Safakadal and Parimpora police station areas have been blocked off, with vehicles of security forces parked across roads.
Coils of concertina wire has also been used to block thoroughfare.
Educational institutions, government offices, banks, post offices, public transport, shops and other business establishments are closed in the curfew-bound areas.
The decision has evoked sharp criticism from ordinary people who say the curfew is “uncalled for”.
“Kashmir is a tolerant society, small brawls now and then don’t call for a curfew,” said Nazir Ahmed Baba, a local shopkeeper.
The district magistrate, Baseer Ahmed Khan told reporters that authorities would review the situation in the evening to make a decision on the future course of action.
Meanwhile senior separatist leaders, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Shah and Muhammad Yasin Malik have appealed to people to maintain calm and not to fall prey to what they said were divisive elements.
“It’s a shame soldiers from outside have to guard us from each other,” Malik, chairman of pro-Independence JKLF said.
Kashmir University has put off all examinations scheduled for today.
(EKNN)
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