Security beefed up as Srinagar simmers

Security has been tightened as tension prevailed in Maisuma and Lal Chowk areas of the city, where markets remained closed, following the arrest of JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik.

Security has been tightened as tension prevailed in Maisuma and Lal Chowk areas of the city, where markets remained closed, following the arrest of JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik.

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Shops, schools and business establishments in Maisuma and Lal Chowk areas remained closed and a large number of security force personnel were deployed there to maintain law and order, officials said.

Malik was arrested on Thursday as he tried to stage a sit-in protest against the arrest of a youth by police on Wednesday on charges of snatching money and beating up a cab driver.

The JKLF chairman's arrest led to stone pelting in the area and closure of the markets. Apprehending fresh protests on Friday, the authorities stationed a large number of police and paramilitary personnel equipped with riot gear in Maisuma, the officials said.

Police vehicles fitted with water cannons and other non-lethal equipment of crowd control have also been put on standby in the area, they said.