Restrictions in Srinagar to prevent separatist march; Yasin Malik detained

Authorities on Monday, December 17, imposed curfew-like restrictions in Srinagar to prevent a separatist-called protest march against the civilian killings which took place in Pulwama district on the weekend, police said.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik was detained when he was leading a protest march to the Army headquarters in the city.

Malik along with his supporters started the march from Gaw Kadal area. When they reached Badshah Chowk in Maisuma, police intercepted them using tear gas shells.

The separatist leader, who had gone underground two days earlier to evade the arrest, was then taken into custody, and the march was also foiled.

Separatists had called for a three-day shutdown and a protest march to the Badami Bagh cantonment headquarters against civilian killings in Pulwama district on Saturday.

The protest march has been called to the Army's Badami Bagh cantonment headquarters in the city.

Restrictions will remain in force in Ram Munshibagh, Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, MR Gunj and Safa Kadal areas, with partial restrictions in Maisuma and Kralkhud.

The Army issued a statement on Sunday asking people not to participate in the protest march.

Heavy deployments of police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were made in Srinagar's old city area other law and order sensitive places.

All shops, public transport and educational institutes remained closed on Monday.

Senior separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq have been placed under house arrest, while Muhammad Yasin Malik has gone underground to avoid being arrested.

Rail services between the valley and the Jammu region remained cancelled for a third day on Monday.

On Saturday, seven civilians were killed and over 35 others injured in clashes with the security forces which broke out in Pulwama district's Sirnoo village immediately after a gunfight in the area.

Three militants and a soldier were killed in the gunfight.

*Developing story