Hurriyat Conference calls for strike in Kashmir

Umar Farooq was killed by gunmen inside his house on May 21, 1990.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the restriction free areas in Srinagar and adjoining areas. However, private vehicles and some passenger vehicles were plying on city routes.

The government imposed strict restrictions in areas falling under five police stations of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safa Kadal and Maisuma in view of a rally being organized by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Government offices, educational institutions and banks were also closed in Srinagar.

State authorities have made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order in Srinagar.

The death anniversary of separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone was also being observed here on Thursday.

Lone was gunned down in 2002 while he was attending a function to mark the 12th death anniversary of the late Mirwaiz Farooq.

Hurriyat groups every year call for a shutdown on May 21 to remember the slain leaders.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been put under house arrest last night.

“Government move to house arrest Mirwaiz Dr Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq and thus prevent him from attending programme as a state sponsored terrorism and an example of aggressive politics,” a party spokesman said.

Meanwhile, supporters of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday waved Pakistani flags and raised anti- India slogans at a separatist leader's rally in old Srinagar.

Pertinently, Masarat Alam was arrested last month after his supporters waved Pakistani flags and raised pro-Pakistan slogans at a rally in capital Srinagar that he had organized to welcome back Mr Geelani at his residence.