The normal life continued to remain out of gear across Kashmir valley on the 59th consecutive day as clashes between the protesters and security forces continued amid curfew, restrictions and the separatist-sponsored shutdown. More than a dozen people were wounded as security forces used force to quell pro-azaadi demonstrations in several parts of the valley.
The curfew continued in areas under five police station areas in capital Srinagar. The restrictions on assembly of more than four persons remained in force in Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Kupwara and Sopore towns in Kashmir. The police and paramilitary force personnel remained deployed in strength in all district headquarters and towns to maintain law and order in view of separatists’ call for complete shutdown. The separatists had asked people to hold “day-long Azadi Conventions” across Kashmir.
The death toll since protests began spontaneously after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in south Kashmir’s kokernag area on July 8, stands at 72 that include 70 civilians and two policemen. Thousands of civilians and security personnel have been wounded. Doctors say around 700 persons have received pellet injuries in their eyes threatening partial or permanent vision disabilities.
Reports said at least 20 protesters were injured after security forces fired pellets to foil a proposed rally at Zangalpora village in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Two critically injured were reportedly rushed to the Srinagar hospital for advanced treatment. Reports said a big rally was later held in the area. Reports said the protesters torched residential house of a policeman in the village. A weapon was reportedly snatched by unknown persons from the guard of local CPI (M) leader Ali Mohammad Koka in Bugam area of the same district.
Reports said that ahead of a proposed “pro freedom” rally at lalpora lolab, intense clashes erupted. There was no confirmation of injuries. Complaints of suspension of mobile telephony except BSNl network, have poured in.
Reports said dozens of people, including few women, were injured after security forces foiled a “pro-freedom” protest rally in Bagh-e-Mehtab – Machoo area of Srinagar outskirts. Reports said that security forces allegedly damaged the windowpanes of several residential houses and vandalized the venue of a proposed rally. The security forces resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the protesters in the area. Clashes were also reported from various areas in Rainawari of old Srinagar city. Night protests were also reported from Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
A police spokesman in a statement this evening said, ”three incidents of stone pelting were reported from Srinagar, Kulgam and Bandipora. In Kulgam miscreants, about 800 in number, assembled and pelted stones on police and security force deployment at Zanglapora, Devsar.”