Without showing any signs of fatigue, hundreds of protesters, including large number of women, on Saturday clashed with security forces across different parts of Kashmir Valley even as curfew continued for the 29th consecutive day in large parts of worst-hit districts of Kashmir.
On the other hand, large number of civil services aspirants dreaming of joining Indian Administrative Service gave finishing touches to their last-minute studies even as various State Government agencies were seen struggling on ground zero to make foolproof arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the UPSC exam on Sunday.
Transport facilities have been extended to the IAS aspirants by the State Government to ferry them to their exam centres. Since major road links connecting important towns continue to be occupied by the stone pelting brigade the security forces faced tough times to make some inroads in rural pockets connecting main urban centres.
Fearing fresh escalation of violence in the run up to the Independence day celebrations the security forces have been directed to strictly impose the curfew restrictions for next few days even as separatist groups have extended the hartal calendar up to August 12.
Meanwhile, fresh clashes erupted in Anantnag district early on Saturday morning as security forces swooped down on the venue of the protest rally in Chee village.
Clashes also took place between the local residents and security forces in Awantipora area of Pulwama district. The rally was organised in the area to protest fresh killing of three youth on Friday. large gatherings were witnessed during funeral processions of youths who were buried in their native villages of Budgam and Baramulla.
According to reports, over three dozen civilians, including 7 women were injured in lathicharge in Chee village of Anantnag after security forces also resorted to use of teargass and fired in air to disperse the unruly protesters.
The major towns of south Kashmir—Anantnag, Kulgam, Awantipora and Pampore—continue to remain under curfew as situation on ground zero remained grim.