Srinagar: Curfew continued for the third day in most parts of summer capital Srinagar, as authorities feared sectarian violence after Friday prayers.
Srinagar District Magistrate Basheer Ahmad Khan told reporters that curfew would continue in nine police station areas on Friday. The curfew was imposed on Wednesday.
The district magistrate said authorities would review the situation in the evening to make a decision on the future course of action.
Sectarian clashes between Shia and Sunni Muslims erupted in Hawal area of the old city on Wednesday evening, and police intervention triggered clashes between protesters and security men.
Curfew will continue on Friday in Lal Bazar, Zadibal, Nigeen, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, MR Gunj, Safakadal and Parimpora police station areas.
Main roads in these areas have been blocked off, with vehicles of security forces parked across roads. Coils of concertina wire have also been used to block thoroughfare.
Police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel have been deployed even in areas in the city not under curfew.
Senior separatist leaders, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Shah and Muhammad Yasin Malik have appealed to the people to maintain calm and not to fall prey to anti-social elements.
Educational institutions, government offices, banks, post offices, public transport, shops and other business establishments will not function in areas under curfew on Friday.
Kashmir University has put off all examinations scheduled for Friday.
IANS
