#Day22: Scenes From Old Srinagar

   

Muhammad Raafi

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SRINAGAR

Curfewed Jamia Masjid on July 24, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)
Curfewed Jamia Masjid. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

The city roads on the 22nd day of the on-going civil uprising in Old Srinagar wore a black look, for tyres have been burnt at many places.

The remnant of the tyres has blackened the road surfaces. Stones, wooden logs, electric poles and passenger sheds hindered the movement of pedestrians and transporters at many places in the morning hours.

People had ventured out to buy bread and milk, while some had come out to buy necessary items including vegetables and baby food. Some were seen rushing towards hospitals.

However, at around 6:00 AM, the movement of paramilitary forces and police personnel was witnessed in almost all the areas of Downtown Srinagar who were readying for deployment in the city areas. City is again under siege.

The movement of pedestrians and patients that went occasional from frequent was halted at many places on Sekidafar-Zoonimar-Soura track.

Concertina wires and barricades were laid by police and paramilitary troopers halting the movement at many places on the road, with the forces checking the ID cards and patients’ admit cards too.

At Hawal chowk, that was abuzz with activity till 6 AM, no movement was allowed towards Nowhatta which houses historic Jamia Masjid. Hundreds of stones were scattered near the chowk due to the overnight clashes between forces and youth.

J&K Government for three consecutive Fridays did not allow any major prayers in Jamia Masjid last day.

Similar scenes were witnessed from Hazratbal side. The Hazratbal area all these 22 days came to the rescue of many residents of the nearby areas.

Vegetable markets and bread makers sell open till 6 AM. People from different areas throng Hazratbal after dawn prayers and purchase bread and vegetables and other necessary items.

However, barricades have been put at the junction near Hazratbal-Zakura-foreshore road. Only after severe questioning, pedestrians are allowed to move.

At Nigeen, concertina wires have been put on one stretch of the road leading towards Rainawari, however, traffic movement is allowed on the opposite track.

At Androoni Kathi Darwaza, people have blocked the road and were seen asking the transporters to turn back. They were shouting massive slogans in favour of “Azadi”.

A huge mass of stones lie on roads.

Khanyar chowk looked dreaded as no one could be seen even sitting on the road side pavements.

From Saida Kadal to Nawpora, the streets are being manned by paramilitary troopers who have been deployed in strength after every 30 meters approximately.

At many places youth were seen shouting slogans and elders sitting on the pavements puffing cigarettes.

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