Curfew, shutdown continue to cripple life in Kashmir

SRINAGAR (92 News) – Normal life remained paralyzed for the 103rd consecutive day as curfew bringing life to a standstill as Hurriyet leaders extended the shutdown call. However, shops and business establishments including petrol pumps remained closed in commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas. The shutdown has affected the education as schools, colleges and other educational institutions continued to remain shut in the Valley. Main markets, public transport and other businesses remain closed in the valley for 103rd consecutive day. The unprecedented 103-day-long closure of educational institutions has hit hard the students who have not been able to attend classes in schools, colleges and universities in the last more than three months. 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. With more than 100 day-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. Besides killing of 80 people, over 8,000 people have been injured so far due to the firing of pellets, bullets and teargas shells by Indian troops and police personnel on peaceful protesters across the Kashmir Valley.