Curfew continues in Srinagar

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 3: Curfew remained imposed in parts of Srinagar for third consecutive day today following the killing of a youth in old city on Wednesday while rest of the Valley observed spontaneous shut down.
Bashir Ahmad Bhat, 22, was killed after security forces opened fire on protesters in Nawa Kadal area of Old City Wednesday evening soon after the polling for Parliamentary constituency of Srinagar.
The killing sparked clashes in parts of Srinagar particularly in downtown areas that forced authorities to impose curfew in parts of Srinagar.
The Government had ordered magisterial probe into the killing of the youth which will be headed by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah.
Curfew continued in the old city areas falling five police stations today with police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in riot gear and holding assault rifles deployed across the downtown. The forces had erected barricades, laid concertina wires and stationed mobile bunkers at various places to restrict the movement of the people.
The situation in the civil lines areas of Srinagar remained normal but a spontaneous shutdown was observed. Almost all the shops and commercial establishments were closed, however, some vehicles were plying. There was no call for shutdown by any group.
In the meantime, the family of Bhat, who was killed on Wednesday alleged that they were not allowed to offer Fateh Khwani of their son at Eidgah.
A spokesman of the district administration today said that there won’t be curfew in any part of Srinagar tomorrow.