| No relief for 42nd day as curfew, strike continues in Kashmir | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Aug 19 People continue to suffer as strict curfew and restrictions remained imposed in Kashmir valley for the 42nd consecutive day today, crippling life.
Meanwhile, large number of security forces had been deployed in the central Kashmir district of Budgam to foil 'Aripanthan challo' called by separatists today to offer Friday prayers and pay homage to four youth, killed in security force firing on August 16.
Life remained crippled for the 42th day due to curfew and restrictions besides strike called by separatists in Kashmir valley, where the number of people killed in security force has risen to 66 since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) Commander Burhan Wani and two other militants were killed in an encounter in Anantnag.
Officials here today said that curfew remained in force only in Srinagar district, Anantnag town and Magam in central Kashmir district of Budgam in view of clashes reported from different areas in the valley.
However, the situation on the ground is entirely different as people from various areas of the valley, including district and tehsil headquarters of Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopian, Kulgam, Ganderbal, besides others towns alleged that they were not allowed to move on roads.
All roads, including Srinagar-Gulmarg road, Magam-Beerwah road, Khag road, leading to Aripanthan in Beerwah in Budgam have been closed with barbed wire by security forces. Roadblocks have been placed at Mujgund, Magam, Goni Pora, besides other areas leading to Aripanthan to stop people from marching and assembling there to offer Friday prayers and pay tribute to the four youth killed in security force firing.
Large number of security forces and state police personnel, wearing protective gears, remained deployed at Aripanthan and adjoining areas, besides on the roads leading to the village to strictly implement the curfew and stop people from assembling there.
Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), spearheading the present agitation had urged people to reach Aripathan to offer Friday prayers and pay tributes to deceased youths.
The separatists also extended the strike till August 25, though there will be relaxation between 1800 hrs and 0600 hrs everyday.
Following massive protests, police registered a case against security forces over the killing of the youth, while Army expressed regret over the incident and assured of an enquiry.
Meanwhile, doctors and media personals alleged that despite curfew passes, they were being turned back by security forces at various places. |
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