Srinagar, Aug 6 (UNI) Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in the downtown, Srinagar, as a precautionary measure to prevent any demonstration following strike called by separatists against alleged attempts to abrogate Article 35 A of the constitutions.

However, the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday adjourned the hearing of the case till August 27.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq and Mohammad Yaseen Malik, had called for two-day strike from Sunday as the case was to come up for hearing in the SC on Monday. A number of writ petitions had been filed challenging Article 35 A, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state’s legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state. The Article provides special rights and privileges to the permanent residents of the state.

Police said restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in the areas falling under police station M R Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safa Kadal and Rainawari.

However, the situation was entirely different on the ground as security forces and state police have closed all main roads with barbed wire in these areas and directing people to remain indoors.

The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid remained closed and no one was being allowed to enter the worship place since this morning.

The residents on both sides of the Nallahmar road alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses since early this morning by the security force deployed after every ten feet.

The road has been closed from Qamarwari to Khanyar as security forces have closed roads with barbed wire at several places, including Nawa Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Khanyar and Bohari Kadal.

The main roads leading to Jamia Masjid, including Rangar Stop, Gojwara and Hawal, have also been closed and people were being directed to remain indoors.

Hundreds of security forces and state police personnel have been deployed in the Jamia Market to prevent people from entering the worship place. Similar, restrictions have also been imposed in Malkha, Khanyar and Rainawari.