Curfew, shutdown continue to cripple life in Kashmir

SRINAGAR (92 News) – Normal life remained paralyzed for the 49th consecutive day as curfew and Hurriyet leaders called shutdown continued in Kashmir on Friday bringing life to a standstill. The security restrictions were tightened amid apprehensions that separatist leaders may stoke further trouble as they have asked people to gather in Eidgah prayer grounds for a pro-freedom protest rally in the heart of the volatile old Srinagar city. The Valley is on a boil following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8. More than 80 persons and thousands others have been injured in the clashes that began on July 9. In order to foil the march towards the office of United Nations Military Observers in Sonwar area of Srinagar city, police and para military forces have sealed all roads leading towards UNO office. With the month-long unrest showing no signs of ending, local authorities have warned people against venturing out in the night and have also instructed shops and businesses to remain shut. Previously, in occupied Kashmir, six civilians including a boy were killed and several others injured due to the firing of Indian forces on peaceful protesters in Srinagar, Budgam and Islamabad districts. Five protesters were killed after security forces fired on protesters in Beerwah area of Budgam district. Another youth from Anantnag district of South Kashmir died during clashes with the security forces today. Dozens of people have been injured in the protests. With these killings, the death toll in the ongoing Kashmir Intifada has risen to 80 in the past 39 days. The intifada was triggered by the extra-judicial killing of the top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Burhan Wani, on July 8, this year.