Curfew reimposed in some areas of Kashmir Valley

Ahead of the march by separatists to curfew-bound Anantnag in south Kashmir, authorities on Monday reimposed curfew in Pulwama and Kakpora towns, parts of Srinagar and Baramulla district.

The step to reimpose curfew was taken to avoid any untoward incident, police said.

Police vehicles fitted with public address system went around old city areas and Batmaloo in central Srinagar to announce imposition of curfew.

Hurriyat Conference headed by jailed leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani had given the “Anantnag chalo” call to protest civilian killings and to express solidarity with the families of three youths killed in alleged firing by security forces.

Curfew, which was imposed in Sopore on June 25 and subsequently in rest of the valley including Srinagar was lifted on Sunday. However, it continued in Anantnag where violence erupted again on Sunday.

“No one will be allowed to disturb law and order situation”, a senior police officer told PTI.

Security restrictions would continue especially during the day when the separatists have decided to organise protest programme and march, the police said.

Police and paramilitary contingents are patrolling the deserted streets and have blocked roads with razor wire and armoured vehicles at Lal chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Sonawar, Nowgam and Panthachowk in the city to prevent people from assembling or proceedings towards Anantnag.

Police are looking for separatist leaders spearheading the protests in various parts of the valley, official sources said.

Mr. Geelani and his top aides including Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai and Ayaz Akbar have already been booked under the Public Safety Act.

Normal life was disrupted in many parts of the valley due to security restrictions. Government offices, educational institutions, banks, semi-government offices, shops and business markets were closed and transport, both public and private, was off the road in the city.