Srinagar, Sept. 21 -- Restrictions were lifted from most parts of Kashmir on Saturday, but remained in force in the Handwara area of Kupwara district as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, officials said.

Fresh restrictions were imposed in many parts of the Valley on Friday in view of apprehensions that vested interests might exploit the large Friday prayer gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.

Officials said restrictions have been eased out in most areas of Kashmir.

However, the curbs continued to be in force in many areas of Handwara in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, they said.

The restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPc continued as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, the official...