Srinagar: Even as the Valley observed a shutdown to protest against landing of troops in Kashmir on this day back in 1947, the Kashmir’s historic Jamia Masjid continued to remain barred for prayers for the fifth consecutive week on Friday.

The authorities also imposed restrictions in Srinagar parts to thwart any possible protest after a shutdown call was issued by the separatist leadership.

Restrictions under 144 CrPC remained in force today in Srinagar areas falling under the jurisdiction of five Police stations including Rainawari, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safakdal and M R Gunj, while partial restrictions were imposed in Kralkhud and Maisuma areas.

Witnesses said that a heavy contingent of police and paramilitary troopers were deployed on the roads who had erected concertina wires at various locations leading towards the restriction bound areas. The move halted the vehicular as well as the pedestrian movement. Amid tight restrictions, the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of Old City remained closed for the fifth straight week today.

Witnesses said that the authorities barred people to offer the Friday congregational prayers in the Jamia Masjid today as all the four gates of historic Masjid remained closed.

The head cleric of the Masjid and the Hurriyat Conference (M) chief, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continued to remain under house arrest from last several weeks.

Meanwhile, following the shutdown call given by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), all the shops, business establishments and petrol pumps remained closed throughout the day.

The JRL including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik had called for a shutdown today to mark a protest against landing of India to the Valley. They had also appealed people to observed Oct 27 as black day in Kashmir.

Authorities also suspended train services in Kashmir in view of the shutdown call.

“Train services remained suspended throughout the day,” officials informed.   

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