Even as the overall situation showed signs of improvement in Kashmir Valley on Thursday, the life is far from returning to normal as restrictions and curfew continued in various parts of capital Srinagar and south Kashmir and unabated shutdown in response to separatist’ call.
Sources said that Anantnag, Pulwama and Kulgam districts continued to remain under curfew while restrictions were in place in Shopian district. Restrictions were also in place Sopore and Kupwara towns of north Kashmir.
Normal life remains shattered in the Valley since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in south Kashmir three weeks ago.
Sources said that a large number of youth from different areas of the city took out processions at Bohrikadal, Barbar Shah and other areas. The protesters attempted to march towards lal Chowk but were stopped by police near Khanyar resulting in violent clashes. Protests also erupted in Batamaloo area where police attempted to silence a public address system from a mosque blaring songs in praise of militants. The police action infuriated the locals who took to roads and clashed with the police.
Groups of women took out processions at Chattabal against the “atrocities committed by the security forces during curfew days”. The residents in the area alleged during nocturnal raids armed forces went on a rampage.
Reports from Tral town of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district said that at least five protesters suffered pellet injuries while three youth were apprehended by police during clashes at Hardumir village. Protesters also attacked police post at Sangam in Anantnag district.
Sources said that doctors at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences staged protests against the use of pellet guns. Meanwhile, a police handout said that the situation throughout the Kashmir valley remained peaceful and under control. “There was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the valley. Except Anantnag town, there were no restrictions anywhere in the Kashmir valley. Minor instances of stone pelting were reported from some places,” a police spokesman said.