Junaid Nabi Bazaz

SRINAGAR: Nocturnal protests erupted in Srinagar on Friday soon after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan concluded his address at UN General Assembly.
This resulted in restrictions during daytime on Saturday and minor stone throwing incidents at some places in the city.
Eyewitnesses told Kashmir Reader that as soon as Khan ended his speech, people began to hit the roads and raised slogans. They also fired fire crackers. In some areas, the protests morphed in clashes after government forces interrupted them. The protesters in return blocked roads.
Khan’s UN speech was keenly watched in Kashmir as tensions between the India and Pakistan have risen after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.
A resident of the Rajouri Kadal in old city told Kashmir Reader that the people hit the area’s main street, raising anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. They stayed there for at least two hours, he said.
In Rainawari area, the night protests took the form of clashes between the forces and the protestors, when forces intercepted them. The protests, a local said, emanated from the Kaen Kachi area, Chowdry Bagh, Naedyar, Tangi Bagh areas. During the day, locals had blocked the roads and held sporadic protests.
In downtown, Soura, Lal Bazar and along 90 feet road, people came out on roads after the speech.
On Saturday, restrictions were imposed in several parts of the city. Government forces were deployed in strength on roads and vital installations.
Business establishments and shops continued to stay closed for 55th day since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. Public transport stayed off the roads and only private vehicles were plying on roads.

KR Desk