Fearing violent protests from separatists on August 5, the Srinagar administration on Monday has decided to impose curfew till Wednesday with immediate effect.

Additionally, the Covid-19 related restrictions, which were imposed from July 31 till August 5, have been extended till August 8. August 5 will mark a year of abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 and Article 35A, for close to seven decades, have defined the state’s relationship with the Union, were effectively rendered null and void on August 5.

According to the officials, separatists and Pakistan sponsored groups are planning to observe August 5 as black day, raising apprehensions of violence.

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“ There are specific inputs about violent protests endangering public life and property,” an order issued by district magistrate Srinagar Shahid Chaudhary quoting a report of SSP Srinagar stated.

He said such gatherings would also be detrimental to the efforts of containing Covid-19.

“The report has further made a case that to prevent such violence and loss of life and property , it is immenent to impose curfew in the district,” the DM said, ordering complete restrictions on public movement and curfew in the district.

Restrictions were also imposed in the Kashmir valley on Monday, with officials saying that the curbs have been enforced as part of efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. The restrictions come two days ahead of the first anniversary of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

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Business establishments, markets and shops were closed while public transport have remained off the roads in the Valley. The movement of people has also been strictly regulated amid heavy development of security forces on roads.