Yasin Malik detained on eve of Afzal Guru’s anniversary

Shops, public transport, and other business establishments remained closed here and all other major cities and towns in the Valley.

Police and CRPF men were seen patrolling the deserted streets in Old Srinagar. Similar restrictions will be enforced in some other Valley towns and sensitive areas “as precautionary measure”.

He was executed, he said, just to terrify the people of Kashmir by sending them a message that to what extent Indian state can go to crush the freedom sentiment of the Kashmiris.

Curfew-like restrictions were also imposed in parts of Sopore to thwart any possible protests.

A police official said restrictions were imposed in five police station areas in old city – Khanyar, Maharajgunj, Rainawari, Safakadal and Nowhatta – while additional deployment of forces was carried out in Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations for maintaining law and order.

The separatist camp had also announced a shutdown on February 11 to commemorate the death anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) founder Maqbool Bhat, who was hanged in 1984.

Normal life was affected as separatist groups have called for a general strike today over the hanging of Guru, who was sent to the gallows in 2013 following his conviction in the Parliament attack case.

While thanking people of Kashmir for their support and affection, Ghalib said that they expect nothing form pro-India politicians present in Kashmir Valley.

Various separatist leaders have been detained in police stations or placed under house arrest.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into custody from Abi Guzar area of Srinagar and later he was remanded to seven-day judicial custody while Hurriyat (JK) leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah and Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Hurriyat (G) leaders, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai and Ayaz Akbar were among those put under house arrest to prevent them from staging any protests.

The protesters said that the best tribute to Muhammad Maqbool Bhat and Muhammad Afzal Guroo is to take their mission forward.