Curfew imposed in Srinagar ahead of 1st anniversary of Article 370's abrogation

Sri Nagar: The Srinagar administration on Monday (August 3) ordered a curfew for August 4 and 5, the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

A order copy issued by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar read,"Senior superintendent of Srinagar has reported that a series of inputs have been received suggesting that separatist and Pak sponsored groups are planning to observe 5th August 2020 as Black Day, therein apprehensions of violation action or protests are not ruled out. There are specific inputs about violent protests endangering public life and property.”

"In view of restrictions aimed at COVID-19 containment already in place, the movement and assembly of people have been prohibited to avoid spread particularly in wake of recent spike, Thus, any such mass gathering would be detrimental to efforts related to COVID-19 containment as well," added the order.

"The report has further made a case that to prevent such violence and loss of life and property, it's imminent to impose curfew in the district. Therefore, after having considered the material facts in report and examining the situation in backdrop of prevailing factors, I, District Magistrate, Srinagar, by virtue of powers vested in me u/s 144 Cr PC hereby order complete restrictions on public movement / curfew in territorial jurisdiction of District Srinagar,” noted the order.

However medical emergencies and movement of staff on COVID-19 duty with pass/Valid Cards shall be exempted from above restrictions. 

“Additional Deputy Commissioner (Adm), Srinagar shall deploy one Magistrate each to coordinate implementation in each Police Stations jurisdictions. These restrictions shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force on 4th and 5th August 2020. Meanwhile, the restrictions previously ordered vide this office order dated 31st July 2020 on account of Covid-19 shall continue thereafter till 8th August unless revised earlier,” concluded the order.