Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Sept 12: Curfew was re-imposed in Shopian today after the death of a man in alleged security forces custody yesterday while life across Kashmir remained paralysed in response to a strike call given by chairman of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, during which at least 20 persons were injured in the clashes.
A police spokesman said that curfew has been imposed in Shopian town as a preventive measure to maintain law and order and prevent loss of property and life.
The prohibitory orders were invoked after a youth was killed when security forces allegedly opened fire on protestors outside Gagran camp in Shopian.
The protestors were demanding removal of the CRPF Gagran camp and arrest of the personnel involved in firing incident on Saturday that left four persons dead including three civilians.
Curfew like restrictions were also imposed in Kulgam and Pulwama areas as a precautionary measure.
Shops, business establishments, educational institutions, banks and courts remained closed, public transport also remained off the roads in most of the major towns in the Valley in response to the strike call.
Clashes broke out at several places in Kashmir valley against the Shopian killings today.
Reports protests and clashes were received from Gagran, Memander, Bungam areas of Shopian and many parts of Pulwama districts. At least four persons were injured in clashes at these places.
Clashes broke out in Redwani in Anantnag and police fired on stone throwing protesters injuring Amir Lone son of Altaf Lone of Redwani. Lone received rubber bullet in his abdomen and was rushed to nearby hospital for treatment where from he was immediately referred to Srinagar hospital for treatment.
At least eight persons were injured in clashes at Chankhan in Sopore and in some parts of Old Town, Baramulla.
In Ganderbal, a group of youth attacked Army vehicles at Khurhama area damaging several vehicles. Three Army personnel were injured.
Clashes also erupted in most areas of Old City including M R Gung, Saraf Kadal and Kawdara. The pitched battles between youth and forces was going on till late in the evening.
In the meantime, Geelani called for general strike in Kashmir on Saturday and Sunday against killings in Shopian. He had earlier called for protests in Kashmir after Friday prayers over the killings.
Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today appealed the people to observe ‘Black day’ today against the killings of four persons in Shopian by paramilitary forces.
He urged the people to hoist black flags and wear black badges during the Friday congregational prayers.
Mirwaiz was scheduled to address a press conference at his Hazratbal residence, but police deployed outside his house stopped the media persons from going inside.
Soon, Mirwaiz climbed the fencing wall and addressed some media persons through public address system.
“The authorities are using these brutal methods to crush our voices. Let me tell them that we will not be coerced into submission; our struggle against the illegal occupation by India will continue. The perpetrators of Shopian must be brought to book and punished immediately,” he said.
Mirwaiz also slammed the police for curbing media, saying it was against the basic principles of democracy.
Meanwhile, Doctors Association Kashmir has also condemned the Shopian killings, terming it a “cold blooded murder.”
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