Curfew re-imposed in parts of Kashmir

SRINAGAR (92 News) – Curfew and restrictions were re-imposed in Kashmir and parts of Srinagar on Wednesday in view of a march called by the Hurriyet leaders. Authorities had lifted curfew from Kashmir except Anantnag town yesterday following which it was rocked by fresh protests. As per reports, curfew will remain imposed in Anantnag and Kulgam districts, while restrictions under Section 144 have been imposed in Shopian and Pulwama districts. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to maintain the law and order situation. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength across the Valley for strict implementation of the prohibitory orders, the official said. He said there were no reports of fresh violence from anywhere in the Valley so far. Normal life also remained paralyzed for the 12th day on Wednesday due to strike. Previously, protests erupted over the killing of Burhan Wani, a charismatic young Hurriyet leader from Kashmir who was shot dead by Indian security forces the previous day. Tens of thousands attended Wani’s funeral march from 5am on Saturday in his hometown of Tral, despite police warnings to stay at home, and street protests quickly spread across the valley. In ensuing clashes, security forces fired live ammunition at protesters. Mobile phone networks have been shut down across the heavily militarized valley, while shops and offices are closed and public transport is suspended. Amid fears of further escalation on Monday night, a grenade attack injured three policemen outside Srinigar, and another officer was taken hostage by a mob demanding the release of three youths arrested earlier for stone-throwing. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had condemned India's crackdown on civilian protesters and resulting deaths, while he described Wani, 22, a commander of the Hizbul Mujahedeen group, as a "Kashmiri leader."