Bijbehara march foiled with curbs

Srinagar: After Lal Chowk march, Government imposed curbs in several districts of the Valley to scuttle the march to South Kashmir’s Bijbehara town called by pro-freedom Hurriyat Conference (G) to commemorate the anniversary of the people who were shot dead by Border Security Force (BSF) seventeen years ago.

On October, 22, 1993, at least 43 people were killed and scores injured when BSF opened random fire upon a group of people who were protesting the siege of Hazratbal Shrine in this capital city. To pay homage to the deceased, Geelani led Hurriyat faction had called for a march to Bijbehara town. However, authorities imposed restrictions in Srinagar city and other major towns of the Valley to foil the proposed march.

Like Thursday, curfew remained in place in old city of Srinagar today to foil any attempt of people to march towards the South Kashmir Township. Hundreds of paramilitary CRPF and policemen carrying riot gear and assault rifles manned the lanes, by lanes and roads of this capital city to enforce curfew.

The curfew was more intense in old city’s Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safa Kadal, Rainawari, Maharaj Gunj, Gowjara, Saraf Kadal, Kawdara, Nawab Bazar, Fateh Kadal and Hawal.

Bijbehara, the venue of the Hurriyat march was also placed under curfew. Besides heavy deployment of forces, scores of check points were erected on the Srinagar-Jammu highway to keep a check on the marchers.

Curfew was also clamped in the neighboring Shopian town fearing the participation of a large number of people in the proposed march.

Trehgam, Kralpora Chotipora, Kulangam and Handwara town of the frontier Kupwara district were also placed under curfew in view of the march. However, the curfew was lifted from the areas from 10 am onwards.

Despite curfew and restrictions, protests and clashes broke out in Naina, Sangam area of South Kashmir and Khanpora locality of Baramulla district. However, no reports of injuries were received.

Meanwhile, all shops, offices, banks, petrol pumps, business establishments and government offices across valley remained closed for the second consecutive day today, while traffic remained off the roads due to government curbs coupled with Hurriyat called strike. However, schools remained opened with very thin attendance of students.