COVID-19: Restrictions imposed in Kashmir Valley, markets shut

Restrictions were imposed in Kashmir valley on Monday, with officials saying that curbs have been enforced as part of efforts to contain spread of COVID-19.

restrictions come two days ahead of first anniversary of revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

movement of people, except essential services and medical emergencies, was being allowed, officials said.

authorities sealed most of roads and market places and sought cooperation of public to make lock down a success.

District magistrates said strict implementation of lockdown restrictions was ordered in view of spike in number of coronavirus cases.

Markets and business establishments across valley were shut on Monday, while public transport was off roads, officials said.

However, government employees and banks have been exempted from restrictions on producing valid identity cards or movement passes.

Construction and developmental activities have also been exempted, y added.

Security forces have been deployed in strength at several places across valley to enforce lockdown, officials said, adding any violation would invite strict action.

Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday recorded 444 new coronavirus cases with 206 from Jammu region and 238 from valley.

While Udhampur district in Jammu region recorded highest of 69 new positive cases followed by 65 in Jammu District, Srinagar had 62 cases.

union territory has witnessed a spike in number of positive cases in last few weeks.

While officials maintained that restrictions were in view of COVID-19 situation, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija Mufti said heightened security arrangements in valley were being undertaken to ensure that "anger and frustration felt by people" against Centre's decision "remain hidden".

"Suddenly, re is heightened security & surveillance in valley. t like n discriminatory COVID virus will be more active in days approaching 5th August so clearly this is being done to ensure that anger & frustration felt by people here remain hidden," Iltija posted on her mor's Twitter handle which she has been using since Mehbooba was taken into custody in August last year.

Centre on August 5 last year revoked special status of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Articles 370 and 35-A and bifurcated erstwhile state into two union territories.

Representative im