SRINAGAR: Curfew-like restrictions remained in force in parts of Kashmir for the third day today to maintain law and order following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat in an encounter with security forces.
The restrictions were in place in the districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian – all in south Kashmir, while similar curbs also continued in seven police station areas in Srinagar and in Sopore township in north Kashmir, officials said.
In Srinagar, restrictions continued in seven police station areas of Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Kralkhud and Maisuma.
The officials said restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPc also continued in the districts of Budgam and Ganderbal in central Kashmir.
The curbs in these areas continued for the third day as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in view of the separatists’ call for a march to Tral area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district today.
While the separatists had called for a shutdown for two days – on Sunday and Monday – a spontaneous strike was observed in the areas where there were no restrictions.
Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments in these areas were shut, the officials said.
They said public transport was off the roads, but private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying.
The authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in the valley, while the outgoing call facility on prepaid numbers has also been snapped as a precautionary measure.
The authorities have also suspended class work in all schools and colleges across Kashmir for today, while Kashmir University has postponed all examinations scheduled to be held today.
Meanwhile, train service remained suspended for security reasons since May 27 afternoon in the Kashmir valley, where separatists called for ‘Tral Challo’ today. Two militants, including Sabzar Bhat, successor of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani, were killed in an encounter at Tral area in Pulwama district on Saturday.
All train runs remained suspended in the valley due to security reasons after receiving a fresh directive from the government, including police, a senior Railway official said.
He said all trains running between Srinagar-Badgam-Sopore and Baramulla in north Kashmir remained suspended since May 27 afternoon. Similarly, train service from Badgam-Srinagar-Anantnag-Qazigund in south Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region remained suspended.
Since there was apprehension of violence, all trains were suspended to avoid damage to railway property besides passengers, he said, adding that train services will be resumed only after receiving green signal from the state authorities, particularly police.
He said in the past, Railways suffered massive damage to trains, railway stations and lighting system due to violence.
(agencies)
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