Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, July 20: Curfew continued in Srinagar and other major towns of Kashmir valley for second day today in protest against the Border Security Force firing in Gool, Ramban. At least 76 people including large number of security men were injured in clashes that broke out at several places since yesterday.
Curfew that was imposed in Kashmir valley yesterday morning to prevent any flare up in violence remained in force in Srinagar and major towns of Kashmir valley.
An official spokesman said here that there will no curfew tomorrow in Srinagar and other major town across Kashmir valley. He, however, said that there may be some restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles in some sensitive parts of Kashmir valley.
Police and para-military Central Reserve Police (CRPF) remained deployed in Srinagar city and other major towns across Kashmir valley to prevent protests.
They had erected steel barricades and concertina razor wire across main roads in Srinagar and major towns of Kashmir valley to block the movement of traffic and people.
A police spokesman said here that the situation throughout Kashmir valley remained peaceful today. “However, there were stone pelting reported from Tahab Chowk and Newa in Pulwama, Cement Bridge and Azadgung in Baramulla, Papchan, Gulshan Chowk and Naidkhai in Bandipora, a couple of places in Shopian, Khudwani in Kulgam and Galwanpora Humhama in Budgam”, the spokesman added.
He said that 31 police and CRPF men and 8 civilians were injured in clashes across Kashmir valley today.
The spokesman said that 59 people, including 49 police and CRPF men, were injured in violent clashes with protesters on Friday.
Clashes broke out at Khuwani in South Kashmir between protesters and the security forces this afternoon. As the protesters were large in number and security forces fired rubber bullets to disperse them during which 5 persons including 3 women were injured. They were removed to Anantnag district hospital for treatment.
The injured have been identified as Shanawaaz Ahmad Shah, son of Ghulam Mohammad Shah of Bonepora Khudwani, Shaheena, daughter of Ghulam Mohammad Shah of Khudwani Ghat, Hafeeza, wife of Abdul Qoyoom Dar of Khudwani, Rukhsana, daughter of Abdul Qoyoom Dar of Khudwani and Rouf Ahmad Kumar, son of Mohammad Ramzan Kumar of Khudwani.
Despite curfew, clashes were also reported from various places in Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama in South Kashmir during which police fired tear smoke and charged batons on the protesters to disperse them.
Reports reaching from Bandipora said that an Army vehicle of a Commanding Officer came under stone pelting in Ashtingo, Bandipora early today. Police and Army later went in search of stone pelters in the neighbouring villages during which several youth were beaten up.
Residents said that one Ashfaq Ahmad Sheikh of village Watpora was severely beaten and he has been referred to Srinagar for treatment.
This was followed by clashes in Bandipora that continued till evening. Protesters pelted stones on police and CRPF who charged batons and fired tear smoke to disperse them. At least seven people including four police men were injured in the clashes.
At least a dozen of protesters were also injured in Sumbal and Naidkahi in district Bandipora in protests. Three of the injured Mohammad Aarif son of Assadullah Lone, Aijaz Ahmad Lone, son of Ghulam Nabi and Muzzaffar Ahmad, son of Abdul Gani Dar residents of NaidKhai were shifted to Srinagar for treatment.
Protests were also reported from Baramulla and Sopore towns. The protesters pelted stones at police and CRPF and the security forces fired tear smoke to disperse the protesters. At least six protesters were injured in the clashes.
Protests also broke out at several places in Ganderbal district. At Barsoo, police had to fire pellets to disperse a stone throwing mob, which was giving stiffing resistance to police and CRPF even after tear smoke shelling. One protestor was injured in the firing.
Police sources said that three vehicles of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s motorcade were damaged when youth pelted stones at them at Humhama today. The mortorcade was on its way to airport to pick up Sayeed from airport.
Clashes also broke out at Naid Kadal, Khanyar, Habba Kadal, Nowgam, Rajouri Kadal and several other places in the old city area this evening soon after there some sort of relaxation in curfew.
Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for a three-day shutdown in the Valley to protest the killings. Mirwaiz Omar Farooq had called for two day strike in protest against the killings.
Apprehending trouble, Government imposed curfew in Srinagar and major towns of Kashmir valley. Director General of Police Ashok Prasad had said that restrictions on movement of people would stay at least till Sunday when the strike called by separatists gets over.
Inspector General Police, Traffic Munir Ahmad Khan said that Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was reopened for the traffic last evening. “Around 2000 vehicle from Jammu to Srinagar crossed Jawhar tunnel late last night and reached Srinagar in the morning”, he said. Khan said the Highway had to be closed due to protests at several places on Friday.
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