Curfew remains in force in Kashmir, death toll reaches 78

SRINAGAR (92 News) – Another civilian injured during the clashes in the Valley, succumbed to injuries on Monday, taking the death toll in the clashes triggered by the killing of 21-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen’s Burhan Wani to 78. A youth, Sameer Ahmad, critically injured in security forces’ firing on protestors during the clashes in Pampore area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on July 10, succumbed to injuries at a hospital here on Sunday. Meanwhile, authorities continued to enforce curfew-like restrictions in four districts of South Kashmir – Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama – besides six police station limits in Srinagar. The police and CRPF men enforced restrictions in the curfew-bound areas and also remained deployed in large numbers in other parts of the Valley where curfew was lifted. The curfew-like restrictions and shutdown called by separatists crippled life for the 16th consecutive day in the Valley on Sunday. All shops, business establishments, petrol pumps, government offices and banks remained closed while public transport was off the roads. The mobile internet services and mobile services in the Valley also remained suspended. Only BSNL broadband and postpaid mobile connections are working in the Valley. The train services also remained suspended for 16th consecutive day. On the other hand, Hurriyet leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik extended the strike call till July 29. The Hurriyet leaders have called for a complete shutdown on July 25 (Monday) and called on people to march towards South Kashmir’s Anantnag town. They have announced relaxation in shutdown from 2 pm on July 26 and asked people to stock essentials during the relaxation period.