The dance of death continued in Kashmir Valley on the eighth consecutive day as another protester was shot dead by security forces in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday afternoon. The Valley continued to remain under strict curfew but protesters violated the restrictions at several places leading to clashes and use of force to quell demonstrations.
The authorities seized local newspapers in the morning before distribution compelling the newspaper editors and owners to stop the publication for the next three days. Some newspapers have decided to run online editions even as the authorities have imposed curbs on mobile telephony and internet.
Sources said that Showkat Ahmed Malik, 25, was killed and two others were injured when intense clashes erupted at Hutmulla village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara. “While dealing with the situation three people were injured. One of them later on succumbed to his injuries,” a police spokesman said.
Reports of clashes between the protesters and security forces poured in from other parts of the valley. The authorities had announced to continue imposition of curfew in the valley for the second consecutive day. The restrictions are likely to continue for three more days. The separatists have called for shutdown till June 18 evening followed by observance of “black day” on Tuesday in accordance to a call from Pakistan government.
Police said during intervening night mob equipped with iron rods, stones, bricks attacked and torched the guard residential shed at Wullar Vintage Park in north Kashmir’s Bandipore district.
The authorities also clamped on the media and stopped publication and distribution of local newspapers. During the midnight raids on various printing presses, the Police seized master copies and platesof all the local Urdu and English dailies published from here. The newspapers that had been printed were seized. later local journalists held a protest demonstration condemning the official curbs. The authorities have asked the newspaper owners to stop publication for three days.
The internet and mobile networks continues to remain suspended for the seventh straight day. The authorities also halted cable television operation but it resumed later in the evening.
The situation worsened in Kashmir valley on July 9, a day after security forces shot dead Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in south Kashmir’s Kokernag pocket. As many as 43 civilians and a policeman have died in the flare-up over 3,100 persons, including 1,500 security force personnel have been injured in these clashes. Many people with grievous pellet injuries are at the verge of losing eyesight.