A curfew like situation prevailed in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley for the third day on Sunday as authorities deployed heavy security forces to scuttle any attempt by separatists to hold protest against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the state.
Heavy deployment has been made in the Kashmir Valley in view of Singh's visit and a call given by Separatists' Coordination Committee for a complete shutdown, official sources said.
The Prime Minister will be in Srinagar to campaign for Congress candidates in South Kashmir's Anantnag district, going to polls in the sixth phase on December 17.
In the sixth phase, 16 assembly constituencies spread over Kulgam, Anantnag, Ramban, Kishtwar and Doda districts are scheduled to go to polls.
Police and paramilitary personnel were seen driving back people to their homes and patrolling the deserted streets to foil any attempt by separatists to assemble for the protest.
Normal life came to a standstill in the valley on Friday and Saturday in view of the call for protests given by coordination committee against holding of elections and the strict security arrangements made by the authorities to thwart the protests.
Coordination Committee had yesterday urged people to observe a complete strike against the visit of Prime Minister.
{{/usCountry}}Coordination Committee had yesterday urged people to observe a complete strike against the visit of Prime Minister.
{{/usCountry}}Apprehending protests by separatists, the police and paramilitary personnel have set up road blockades and were only allowing emergency services and media persons to move after checking their identity cards.