Security was on Thursday tightened as a precautionary measure in the summer capital, Srinagar, on the death anniversaries of Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone, who fell to the bullets of unidentified gunmen on this day in 1990 and 2002, respectively.
Meanwhile, mobile internet service remained suspended for the third successive day for security reasons in Srinagar. The services were suspended on Tuesday following the killing of Junaid Sehrai, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) Divisional Commander and son of separatist conglomerate Tehreek-e-Hurriyat’s chairman Ashraf Sehrai, and another militant in an encounter in downtown Srinagar.
Security forces have been deployed in strength outside Mirwaiz Manzil in downtown Srinagar, where moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz Omar remained under house arrest since August 5, last year, when centre abrogated Article 370 and Article 35 A.
Meanwhile, one tube of the road remained closed with barbed wires at Kawdara, Nawakadal, Jamia Masjid, and some other places since last Friday.
Mirwaiz Farooq, father of Mirwaiz Omar was assassinated by unidentified gunmen on May 21, 1990 in his Nigeen house. Later, more than 60 people were killed when security forces allegedly opened fire on funeral procession of Mirwaiz Farooq near Islamia College.
On this day in 2002 gunmen also murdered another separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone founder of Peoples Conference (PC) when he was leaving Eidgah after paying tributes to Mirwaiz. Abdul Gani Lone is father of Sajjad Gani Lone, who is former minister in the coalition government from BJP quota, and Bilal Gani Lone senior HC leader.
Heavy deployment of security forces were also witnessed outside the resident of Sajjad Lone, who also remained under house arrest after he was released from detention in Srinagar.
Security was also beefed up in other districts of the valley as a precautionary measure.