Authorities on Friday imposed strict curbs in downtown Srinagar to disallow the congregational Friday prayers at the historic Jamia masjid for the 14th consecutive week as heavy deployment was made outside the grand masjid amid snow accumulation.Meanwhile, life continued to remain out of gear across Kashmir for the 96 straight day across the region. The inclement weather added to the prevailing uncertainty as street vendors and those who would set up stalls at the famous flea market preferred to stay home due to snow accumulation on the streets and foot paths.Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s head priest who continues to remain under house arrest since August 5. Mirwaiz was supposed to address people on the eve of Rabi-ul-Awal, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) celebrated on 12 Rabi-ul-Awal every year.Witnesses told wire service-Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that security forces were deployed in strength across downtown including Nowhatta, Mahraj Gunj, Rainawari and Khanyar areas while as all the major roads were sealed with reams of concertina wires.
“Nobody was allowed to move on the streets, let alone private traffic. Only security vehicles could be seen plying while as security forces personnel wearing riot gear were patrolling the roads,” a resident of Nowhatta, pleading not to be quoted by name, told KNO.He said that deployment was more in Nowhatta area of downtown in view of Friday As per the residents of downtown, congregational prayers were not allowed at the historic Jamia Masjid for the 14th Friday in a row as all the entry and exit gates of the grand masjid remained closed amid heavy deployment of security forces.“Restrictions were put in place to ensure there is no law and order incident,” the officer said. Meanwhile, authorities are likely to allow the night-long prayers at the revered shrine of Hazratbal shrine on the eve of Eid-e-Milad (SAW). However, there was no word whether the day long Milad celebrations would be allowed the Hazratbal shrine on Sunday when the holy relic is supposed to be displayed for the people after every prayer of the day.“We will be allowed to hold night long prayers and as far as day-long Milad celebrations are concerned, we are not sure whether people would be allowed to reach Hazratbal shrine,” a senior member of the Hazratbal shrine managing body, said. (KNO)