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Srinagar: Curfew and restrictions remained in place for the third consecutive day in parts of North Kashmir while rest of the Valley observed complete shutdown in response to the call given by pro-freedom Hurriyat Conference (G) spearheading the ongoing ‘Quit Kashmir’ movement across the state.
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In the latest protest programme announced last week, Hurriyat Chairman (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani had asked people to observe complete shutdown for three consecutive day starting today against the alleged human rights violations and the occupation of Kashmir by forces. The veteran leader had also asked people to stage peaceful protests from Magrib to Isha prayers.
Correspondent from North Kashmir said that curfew remained in place in Delina and Palhalan areas of the Baramulla and main town of the neighboring Bandipore district where protesters and forces have been locked in clashes against the alleged atrocities of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police from the last three days.
In Srinagar, the capital city life came to a grinding halt in view of the strike called by the veteran pro-freedom leader. All shops, government and private offices, banks and financial institutions, petrol pumps remained closed in this summer capital today, while public transport was off the roads. However, private transport was plying normally on almost all the major roads and highways.
Meanwhile, clashes broke out between protesters and the forces in several parts of the old city.
Reports said amid a complete shutdown groups of youth appeared on streets in Safa Kadal, Nowhatta, Gojwara, Nawab Bazar, Kani Kadal and other areas of the old city and staged pro-freedom demonstrations. Besides chanting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the protesters also pelted rocks and stones on the forces triggering off clashes. At Kani Kadal, forces opened several shots in air after they failed to quell pro-freedom demonstrations. Five youth were also arrested by police. Police also fired warning shots in Chotta Bazar.However, no reports of injury were recieved in these incidents.
Reports of complete shutdown were also received from Shopian, Islamabad, Pulwama, Kulgam district of South Kashmir. In Pulwama minor clashes broke out between protesters and the forces.
A police spokesman said that curfew was imposed in Delina and Palhalan areas of district Baramulla and Bandipore town as a precautionary measure.
“Day passed off peacefully. There were no reports of any untoward incident from any place of Kashmir Valley,†the spokesman added.
