Curfew in parts of Srinagar, Sheeri

Srinagar: Curfew was clamped in parts of Srinagar and Baramulla, while life across the Valley was normal for the second consecutive day Friday in view of the reprieve announced by Hurriyat Conference (G) on Diwali.

Reports and eyewitnesses told KMW that curfew was imposed in area falling under jurisdiction of police stations Maharaj Gunj, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, Kralkhud, Maisuma and Safakadal and police posts Qamarwari and Bemina. Curfew also remained in place for the fifth consecutive day in Sheeri area of Baramulla district which witnesses violent clashes between protesters and the forces following the arrest of youth.

However, in rest of the Valley life remained unaffected.

In Srinagar, all shops, private and government offices, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions, banks and financial institutions across the valley carried out their normal chores for the second consecutive day in view of the reprieve announced by Syed Ali Shah Geelani led Hurriyat Conference on the festival of Diwali.

In Srinagar, the capital city, the markets wore a festive look as shoppers swarmed in huge numbers to make necessary. Lal chowk, residency road, Gonkhan markets were bustling with business activities. At many places, members of the minority community were seen purchasing candles and firecrackers for Diwali.

Meanwhile, clashes broke out between protesters and the joint team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police in several parts of the Valley.

Correspondent from North Kashmir said that dozens of youth after offering congregational Friday prayers assembled at main chowk, Sopore and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. Chanting “We want freedom,” “Islam Zindabad,” “Go India Go Back,” and vociferous pro-Geelani slogans, the protesters pelted upon rocks and stones on the forces. In retaliation, forces lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the demonstrators. The clashes continued for over an hour. However, no reports of any injury were received.

Reports of protests and clashes were also received from several parts of South Kashmir.

In Shopian district, hundreds of people took to streets at main chowk, Bonbazar, Tak Masjid and other areas and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. Chanting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans the protesters tried to take out a march through DC office road. However, CRPF and police that were deployed in advance burst tear smoke shells to quell the demonstrators. The police action triggered violent clashes in the area.

Reports of protests and clashes were also received from Islamabad and Pulwama districts.

“Situation during the day remained by and large peaceful,” a police spokesman said here.