Srinagar : Curfew has been extended to Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag towns in South Kashmir to thwart separatists’ call for fresh protests. Anti-India elements had called for a march after Friday prayers in the Old City area of Srinagar. Meanwhile restrictions on assembly of people remained in effect rest of Kashmir Valley for the 49th consecutive day.
“Curfew has been extended to entire Srinagar district, Pulwama district and south Kashmir towns of Shopian and Anantnag,” a senior police said. Towns of Pattan, Baramullah and Handwara in north Kashmir has also been placed under curfew he added.
Protests broke out in Kashmir after the killing of a terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8. Since then, despite a curfew in place, 69 people have died and over 10,000, including security forces, have been injured.
Meanwhile normal life remained paralysed for the 49th consecutive day due to curfew and restrictions. Shops, private offices, educational institutions and petrol pumps remained closed. Attendance in government offices and banks was also affected.
Mobile internet continued to remain suspended in the entire Valley, while broadband connectivity was restored in certain areas. Outgoing facility on prepaid mobile connections remained barred.
Yesterday, during his visit to Srinagar, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that the government would soon be out with an alternative to pellet guns, which are currently used for crowd control. Mr Singh had also said that the government was open to talks in an effort to end the current impasse.
PTI