Authorities in Indian administered Kashmir imposed curfew-like restrictions in some parts of the region on Friday to foil Muharram processions by Shia mourners and anti-Israel protests, called by senior separatist leader.

Srinagar, Nov 23 / NationalTurk- The curfew-like restrictions were imposed in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian administered Kashmir and some other parts of the region.

Hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers were deployed on the roads to prevent movement of people. The soldiers had placed barricades, concertina wires and armoured vehicles on the roads and were not allowing people to move beyond the barricades.

Owing to restrictions, the normal life in Srinagar and other parts of Indian administered Kashmir has come to a grinding halt. All shops, business establishments, government offices, educational institutions and banks remained shut in Srinagar while vehicular traffic was off the roads.

The imposition of tough restrictions without any announcement caused grave convenience to the people. People at several places were seen pleading with soldiers to let them go but to no avail. Even the media persons faced tough time in reaching their places of work.

A senior police officer speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to media said restrictions have been imposed in some parts of Srinagar and other parts of the region to maintain peace and tranquility.

He said the restrictions were imposed to prevent Shia mourners from taking Muharram processions and also foil anti-Israel protests.

Senior separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani had called on people to stage anti-Israeli protests on Friday to protest against killing of over 160 Palestinians in a week-long Israeli bombardment in Gaza.

Shia mourning processions disallowed after 1989

The Shia community used to take out processions from Abi Guzar in Kothibagh and Guru Bazaar in Kralkhud in Srinagar on Muharram 8 before eruption of militancy in the region in 1989. After the turmoil, authorities have disallowed Muharram processions.

The Shia community leaders have repeatedly termed it intervention in their religious affairs.

Sources said authorities feared that Shia Muharram processions, if allowed, may turn into anti-Israel protests. India has been receiving military assistance from Israel.

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Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk India News