Srinagar, Nov 23 (IANS): Restrictions were imposed in four areas here Friday to thwart Shia Muharram processions scheduled in these areas Friday.

"Restrictions to maintain law and order in the city have been imposed in four police station areas of Kothibagh, Kralkhud, Maisuma and Shaheedgunj today. However, there are no restrictions on movements of patients, their attendants or those taking exams in these areas", a senior police officer told IANS.

Shops, transport, educational institutions, banks, post offices and other business establishments remained shut in the areas.

Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) placed coils of concertina wire on roads leading into the areas under restrictions.

The Maulana Azad Road was closed to traffic, resulting in heavy jams on connecting roads.

Muharram processions have been stopped in Srinagar since 1990 when the separatist violence started in Kashmir.

No untoward incident has been reported in the city so far.