Srinagar, Oct 13 (IANS): Restrictions were imposed in various parts of Srinagar on Friday to prevent separatist-called protests against increasing incidents of braid chopping in Jammu and Kashmir.

Police said these prohibitory orders were in place in Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R.Gunj, Safa Kadal, Maisuma and Kralkhud.

Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Basheer Khan has ordered closure of all schools and colleges in the valley on Friday.

Classes would also remain suspended for the second consecutive day in the Kashmir University.

The separatists have called for these protests after the Friday prayers.

At least 100 incidents of braid chopping have been reported from different parts of the valley in the last one month, a police officer said.

Vigilante mobs in towns and villages have caught and severely beaten up many innocent people suspecting them to be the alleged braid choppers.

So far, the police has failed to arrest any person actually involved in these incidents.