Mir Junaid/ Mehran Bhat
Senior Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani was laid to rest in the Hyderpora area of Srinagar in Central Kashmir at around 3:15 AM.
Aged 91, the senior Hurriyat leader passed away on Wednesday night at his residence after which the forces in large numbers reached his house and locked all the exit and entry points.
The Government Forces disallowed the movement of any outsiders (other than the family) to his residence.
Immediately after his demise, the Jammu Kashmir Police said that restrictions have been imposed in the valley and internet was snapped too.
During the night, however, the calling services were barred too. Talking through a BSNL phone (the only operational service), Locals from downtown Srinagar said that restrictions have been imposed in the downtown areas of Srinagar.
There were also reports of sporadic protests from parts of Srinagar’s downtown area. “Announcements were made from several Majids asking people to come out of their houses in remembrance of Hurriyat leader, Geelani,” a local told The Kashmiriyat.
Meanwhile the deployment at all the main points throughout the valley has been increased to thwart any kind of protest.
Danish Hameed from Kulgam district reported that only emergency vehicles are being allowed to ply on the streets. “Employees of emergency services and other Government employees are being allowed to move, the movement of public has been disallowed in the district.”
Similar kind of restrictions have have imposed throughout north and South Kashmir. The DIG North Kashmir has appealed to the people of North Kashmir “not to panic and avoid their movement towards Srinagar”.
“In the view of death of Senior Hurriyat leader, the public of North Kashmir is requested not to panic, Pls avoid movement towards Srinagar. Appeal public to keep calm, and stay inside their houses and pray for the departed soul,” he said.
Pertinently in August 2019, similar restrictions were imposed in Kashmir. The communication blockade continued for several months.