Srinagar, April 30: Normal life in Kashmir valley was affected as authorities imposed strict restrictions on the movement of people amid 84-hour-long lockdown’ in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

The lockdown in 11 district including Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Baramulla started from 1900 hours on Thursday and shall come to end on Monday 7 a.m. unless extended. The authorities also extended the lockdown to the remaining three Kashmir districts —Kupwara, Bandipora and Shopian— from Friday evening as well as six Jammu districts till Monday morning.

Reports said that police and paramilitary forces personnel were deployed across length and breadth of the Valley to enforce the lockdown. The uniformed men had placed barricades to prevent the movement of people.

Reports said that streets wore a deserted look as most shops and business establishments were closed and traffic off the road. However, some private vehicles, particularly people associated with essential services and with emergency were allowed to move after proper verification buy police and the paramilitary men. Prayers were also suspended in many shrines and mosques including historic Jamia masjid amid the covid-19 surge. However, prayers were offered in the mosques in the interior areas with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, including maintaining social distancing.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar had on Thursday had directed police to facilitate hassle-free movement of doctors, health workers, journalists and essential services during the lockdown.

Meanwhile, police said that during last 24 hours, 118 persons were arrested, 103 FIRs lodged and fine to the tune of Rs 90,610 realized from 730 people for violating the guidelines/rules throughout Kashmir valley. “Besides, four vehicles were also seized for violating guidelines/restrictions,” a police spokesman said. gns