The authorities in Kashmir imposed curfew in several parts of capital Srinagar on Friday to thwart separatists’ call for a march towards the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office. Reports of clashes between protesters and security forces emanated from various parts of Valley as the public uprising that started after the encounter death of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8.
Police said that in view of the call given by various separatist groups to hold protest demonstrations in front of UNMOGIP office, curfew had been imposed in several police stations in Srinagar. Most of the roads leading to the UNMOGIP office at Sonawar were blocked with coils of concertina wire while police and paramilitary personnel deployed in strength monitored movement of pedestrians. The Residency Road leading to lal Chowk area wore a deserted look. The normal life remained crippled throughout the Valley on the 91st consecutive day. All educational institutions, banks, post offices, shops, industrial units and business establishments remained closed and traffic was generally off the roads. The train services between Banihal and Baramulla are also suspended for the past three months. The authorities did not allow Friday congregational prayers at the Jamia Masjid in old Srinagar for the 12th consecutive time. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers weekly sermon in the mosque, has been jailed.
Reports from north Kashmir said that hundreds of people held protest demonstrations at Palhalan, Hanjivera and Singhpora villages. Police according to eye-witnesses fired pellets and tear-gas canisters to disperse them.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman said that during the day eleven incidents of stone-pelting were reported from Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore. The situation remained under control and there was no report of any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, continuing with its efforts to neutralize the activities of the miscreants and hooligans, 56 persons found involved in different crimes of creating public disorder have been arrested during the last 24 hours, the statement said.