Kupwara, Apr 19 (KNS): Meeting the demands of locals in north Kashmir's district Kupwara, authorities on Tuesday removed three army bunkers situated in main chowk of Handwara town.
The move is also seen as the measure to defuse trust deficit and restore normalcy after five civilians were killed in forces action.
During the relaxation hours of curfew in the area, the authorities started work to demolish the army bunkers in the town.
According to KNS correspondent, “After the residents demanded to remove the army bunkers in the area, the authorities engaged JCB on Tuesday morning and started dismantling the bunkers.”
After a weeklong protest by locals in the area, MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone handed over the three bunkers to Municipal Corporation Handwara.
The decision to remove the arm bunkers was welcomed by the local population of the area.
MLA Handwara also assures people that their more demands will be fulfilled soon.
Clashes had erupted between youth and forces after an alleged molestation by an army man posted in one of the bunkers, which were removed by the authorities.
The bunker was manned by 21 RR. The army mn fled the spot when two youth fell to bullets on April 12 (Tuesday) during protests against the alleged molestation of a minor girl by an army man.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Kashmir Valley observed complete shutdown for four consecutive days while restrictions remained in force for seven consecutive days in some areas of Kupwara district.
Meanwhile, authorities today relaxed curfew for three hours in Handwara town, Kupwara and Trehgam towns of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, where five civilians including a woman were killed in army firing on last Tuesday.
The relaxation in curfew was given after six consecutive days of strict curfew in the town.
An official told KNS that curfew relaxation time was extended as the situation remained peaceful since from the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
DIG north Kashmir, Uttam Chand told KNS that the three bunkers in Handwara town were removed while the situation in Kupwara remained peaceful throughout the day.
“Yes, the bunkers were removed this morning. The timing of relaxation in curfew was extended as the overall situation in the district remained peaceful,” he said.
Meanwhile, the administration has also decided to lift the restriction from Wednesday in the district that remained in force from last seven days while it has also decided to open all the educational institutes from Wednesday. (KNS)