Heavy deployment of security personnel continues since Geelani’s death

The J&K authorities have eased restriction on the movement of people, but security forces remained deployed on the fourth day on Sunday following the death of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Even mobile Internet connectivity remained suspended.

There are no restrictions on the movement of people in the Valley, but barricades are still there in several areas, especially the roads leading to Geelani’s residence at Hyderpora here in view of the fourth day of mourning for the separatist leader, officials said, adding that security forces had been deployed in strength in the city and elsewhere to maintain law and order.

The traffic movement has increased across the Valley, but most of the public transport remained off the roads. A few shops were also opened in some areas of the city as well as in other parts of the Valley. The situation is normal and under control, officials said.

The police had on Saturday said several preventive measures had been taken to maintain law and order including preventive arrests of dozens of miscreants so far. They had also said several social media platforms, including Pakistan-based Kashmir Media Service, had been trying to spread fake news and videos to instigate miscreants to disturb peace.

Even a few local mediapersons and channels have been found spreading fake news and the police are observing them, maintaining evidence and appropriate actions shall be taken against them, officials added.

Geelani, 92, died at his home in Srinagar on Wednesday night after a prolonged illness. The pro-Pakistan Hurriyat leader, who spearheaded separatist politics for over three decades in J&K, was given a quiet burial at a mosque near his residence before dawn.

Keeping watch on several areas

• Officials say barricades are still there in several areas, especially the roads leading to the residence of Geelani at Hyderpora
• The traffic movement has increased across the Valley, but most of the public transport remained off the roads
• A few shops were opened in some areas of the city as well as other parts of the Valley. The situation is under control, say officials

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 5th Sep, 2021