Internet, social media sites blocked; restrictions in volatile areas
Ahead of Burhan Wani’s first death anniversary, tension is palpable in the Kashmir valley even as security forces have been on their toes to avoid any law and order situation.
The authorities as part of the security measures have seized hundreds of motorbikes across the Valley to stop rallies. The mobile Internet and social media sites via the lease line were blocked late Thursday evening till further orders to stop the spread of rumours.
Separatists have called for weeklong protests from Saturday to mark the first death anniversary of Burhani Wani, who was killed on July 8 last year during an encounter in south Kashmir. Most separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, have been either confined to their homes or jailed ahead of the anniversary.
The region had erupted in mass protests over Burhan’s death last year, leading to further killing of over 90 people in clashes and there are fears of more such protests and clashes on the anniversary. The Muzaffarbad-based United Jihad Council, headed by Syed Salahuddin, had also announced weeklong programmes, which it said would be restricted to the “base camp” in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan. There has also been a security clampdown in other parts of the Valley, including the volatile south Kashmir. The J&K Police have cancelled leave of its personnel as a “contingency measure”. CRPF spokesman Rajesh Yadav said that they had stepped up area domination and night patrolling to ensure peace.
In Tral, the native town of Burhan Wani, people today thronged his grave and also visited his house while the Army was deployed in strength to ensure peace. Locals claimed that android mobile phones were seized by the security forces from some residents in Tral. “My mobile phone was seized and a receipt issued. I was told to collect my android phone after July 13,” a resident from a village near Tral town said over phone.
Tight security in place:
IGP Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Muneer Khan said all required security arrangements were in place to ensure peace. “In the wake of the protest call given by separatists and the United Jihad Council, all necessary preventive measures are already in place. As a preventive measure, we have detained many miscreants. We will also not allow unlawful gatherings,” he said.
