Srinagar : Restrictions on the movement and assembly of people in Kashmir to contain the spread of coronavirus were tightened on Friday in view of congregational prayers, officials said.
The congregational prayers were not held at most mosques of the valley last Friday as various religious organisations appealed the people to offer prayers at home.
Main roads in the valley have been sealed off and barriers erected at several places by security forces to check the unwanted movement of the people and to enforce the lockdown on Friday, the officials said.
The markets across the valley were shut and public transport was off the roads with only pharmacies and groceries allowed to open, they said.
Educational institutions across Kashmir have been closed, while all public places including gymnasiums, parks, clubs and restaurants have been shut down more than a week before the nationwide lockdown announced by the Prime Minister.
While the Prime Minister announced the country-wide lockdown on the evening of March 24, the union territory administration here had on March 22 announced a lockdown across Jammu and Kashmir till 31 March as part of its efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The administration said essential services including healthcare personnel have been exempted from the restrictions.
