Srinagar, Sep 2: Political protests by the National Conference and BJP on Wednesday disrupted normal life in several parts of Srinagar, with commuters and pedestrians facing traffic congestion, roadblocks and restrictions as security forces moved to prevent the rival demonstrations from converging.
The disruption was reported across several civilian areas, with traffic either stopped or diverted due to security arrangements linked to the two protests.
Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar, Ikhraj Pora, Iqbal Park and Hari Singh High Street were among the areas affected, causing difficulties along some of the city's major residential, commercial and connecting routes.
The National Conference had gathered in Raj Bagh and planned to march towards the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar. The BJP, meanwhile, assembled in the Lal Chowk area for a march towards the Civil Secretariat. Police stopped the NC protesters from moving towards Jawahar Nagar, while the BJP march was also halted before reaching the Secretariat.
Roads leading towards the BJP headquarters were sealed at several points, while vehicle movement around Ghanta Ghar was restricted. Traffic was consequently diverted to adjoining roads, adding to congestion in nearby areas.
Large numbers of police and security personnel were deployed in Jawahar Nagar, Raj Bagh and other sensitive locations. Barricades and security cordons also made pedestrian movement difficult on several stretches.
Office-goers, traders, patients, students and other commuters were among those affected by the restrictions, with many facing delays and difficulties in reaching their destinations.
The NC's protest focused on demands for restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, while the BJP targeted the Omar Abdullah-led government over issues including employment and governance.
The rival protest programmes turned several normally busy roads into security-controlled zones, with police using barricades and diversions to prevent the two groups from coming face to face.
The developments once again highlighted how large political gatherings and security restrictions can affect routine civilian movement in Srinagar, particularly when protests are held along busy roads and near key government and political establishments.
Srinagar, Sep 2: Political protests by the National Conference and BJP on Wednesday disrupted normal life in several parts of Srinagar, with commuters and pedestrians facing traffic congestion, roadblocks and restrictions as security forces moved to prevent the rival demonstrations from converging.
The disruption was reported across several civilian areas, with traffic either stopped or diverted due to security arrangements linked to the two protests.
Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar, Ikhraj Pora, Iqbal Park and Hari Singh High Street were among the areas affected, causing difficulties along some of the city's major residential, commercial and connecting routes.
The National Conference had gathered in Raj Bagh and planned to march towards the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar. The BJP, meanwhile, assembled in the Lal Chowk area for a march towards the Civil Secretariat. Police stopped the NC protesters from moving towards Jawahar Nagar, while the BJP march was also halted before reaching the Secretariat.
Roads leading towards the BJP headquarters were sealed at several points, while vehicle movement around Ghanta Ghar was restricted. Traffic was consequently diverted to adjoining roads, adding to congestion in nearby areas.
Large numbers of police and security personnel were deployed in Jawahar Nagar, Raj Bagh and other sensitive locations. Barricades and security cordons also made pedestrian movement difficult on several stretches.
Office-goers, traders, patients, students and other commuters were among those affected by the restrictions, with many facing delays and difficulties in reaching their destinations.
The NC's protest focused on demands for restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, while the BJP targeted the Omar Abdullah-led government over issues including employment and governance.
The rival protest programmes turned several normally busy roads into security-controlled zones, with police using barricades and diversions to prevent the two groups from coming face to face.
The developments once again highlighted how large political gatherings and security restrictions can affect routine civilian movement in Srinagar, particularly when protests are held along busy roads and near key government and political establishments.
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