Srinagar, Sep 20 (KNS): Curfew and restrictions continued on 74th straight day in Kashmir while the clashes and protests were reported from several areas in Kashmir throughout the day.
According to a top police official, curfew was today lifted from the valley except the parts of Srinagar. “The decision to lift the curfew was taken following the improvement in the situation,” he said.
He said that the restrictions however continued in various areas throughout the day.
Meanwhile, clashes and protests were reported in several areas throughout the day during which score of people were injured and were shifted to the hospital for treatment.
In north Kashmir, a complete shutdown was observed throughout the day while all the shops and other business establishments remained closed.
As per KNS correspondent, Bhat Zahoor, besides observing complete shutdown, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Hajin area of Bandipora district during which scores of people were injured.
Witnesses said that clashes erupted in the area after forces started flag march. “The youth started pelting stones on forces during which they resorted to aerial firing and used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth. One youth identified as Aqib Ahmad Wani, son of Ghulam Ahmad Wani sustained bullet injury and was shifted to Srinagar’s hospital for treatment. “Scores others sustained pellet injuries. However they treated locally,” witnesses said.
Meanwhile, reports said that hundreds of women held a freedom rally at Sopore in north Kashmir on the call of joint Hurriyat leadership.
Reports quoting local sources said that announcements were made soon after Zuhar prayers from mosque loudspeakers appealing women folk to come out of their homes and participate in the rally.
The appeal further said that men were not allowed to participate in the rally.
Soon women started their rally from New Colony of the north town.
Sources said the rally amid complete shutdown in the town ended peacefully.
Meanwhile, in central Kashmir, a complete shutdown was observed throughout the day while all the shops and other business establishments remained closed.
Reports of clashes and protests were reported in several parts today.
Meanwhile, a motor-bike was set ablaze by protestors in Srinagar.
Reports said that in Batamaloo, a motor-bicycle was set ablaze in Rek-i-Chowk this forenoon.
Notably, Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and adjoining areas witnessed brisk movement of government and private vehicles.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Eye witnesses said that some protestors stopped a bike rider and set the bike on fire.
When photo-Journalists reached the spot, the bike was completely damaged and they could not identify the registration plate.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted in Fatehpora locality of Ganderbal after people staged protests against the arrest of a youth, allegedly involved in stone-pelting, from the area.
Reports said that forces used teargas shelling to disperse the protesters, triggering clashes.
However, no injury was reported during the clashes.
Meanwhile, in South Kashmir, a complete shutdown was observed throughout the day while all the shops and other business establishments remained closed.
Reports of clashes and protests were reported in couple of areas in the South Kashmir districts.
Local sources informed KNS that the clashes erupted between youth and forces in Vehil area of Shopian during which forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth who were pelting stone son them.
However, local sources informed that couple of youth sustained minor injuries during the clashes.
Meanwhile, a complete shutdown was observed in rest of the South Kashmir districts.
Meanwhile, according to a spokesman of Zonal Police Headquarters, Kashmir, situation in the valley remained under control today. There was no curfew in the valley except the areas under few police stations in Srinagar.
The spokesman said that increased movement of people and vehicular traffic was observed across the valley during the day.
The spokesman said that during the past 24 hours, in its efforts to curb the activities of miscreants/ hooligans, police arrested 64 people involved in disturbing the situation by damaging civilian vehicles, stopping vehicular traffic and harassing people by placing obstructions on roads.
The spokesman said that two incidents of arson were reported from Srinagar and Shopian. In Vehil Shopian a residential house was set on fire while as in Srinagar at Batamaloo a bike was set on fire by miscreants.
The spokesman said that the overall situation across Jammu region remained normal and peaceful.
Following the improvement in the situation curfew was relaxed from today morning (700 hours) till 1800 hours in Rajouri town during which situation remained normal, the spokesman said. (KNS)