Srinagar: Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in the downtown Srinagar on Friday as a precautionary measure to prevent any protests following strike called by separatists against the killing of two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants in Kupwara.

All gates of historic Jamia masjid, stronghold of chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, were closed since early this morning to prevent any protests.

Police said restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of police station Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Khanyar, Safa Kadal and Rainwari since early this morning as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as security forces have closed main and other roads with barbed wire and directing people to remain indoors.

The otherwise busy Nallahmar road in the downtown was closed at Braripora, Khanyar, Rajouri Kadal, Nowhatta, Rangar stop and Hawal by security forces. People living on both sides of the road alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses by the security forces. The local bread makers were not allowed to open their shops while milkmen and vegetable vendors from outskirts were prevented to enter the restricted areas.

However, the road to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura was through from Safakadal Eidgah side though only patients, doctors and paramedical staff besides ambulances were being allowed.

All gates of Jamia masjid were locked and a large number of security forces and state police personnel could be seen deployed to prevent people from entering the worship place. The step has been taken to prevent any demonstration after Friday prayers.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has called for a strike against the killing of PhD scholar-turned militant Manan Wani and his associate in an encounter by security forces at Handwara in Kupwara yesterday.