Curfew was reimposed in parts of Kashmir including five police station areas of the city to thwart a separatist march to Kulgam district on Wednesday. Authorities had lifted curfew from Kashmir except Anantnag town on Tuesday following which it was rocked by fresh protests.
“Curfew has been reimposed in entire Kulgam district and Anantnag town as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order,” a police official said. He said curfew was also imposed in five police station areas of Srinagar city — Khanyar, Rainawari, Maharaj Gunj, Safa Kadal and Nowhatta — while restrictions were imposed on assembly of four or more persons in jurisdiction of Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations.
“Restrictions are also in place in remaining districts of the Valley,” he added.
Meanwhile, mobile telephony services were partially restored after remaining suspended for 11 days. While most postpaid services were restored at midnight, some of the prepaid numbers resumed functioning Wednesday morning.
The decision was taken in view of the improving situation in the Valley, a police official said. A decision on resumption of mobile internet services will be taken after a review of the situation, the official added.
However, normal life remained paralysed for the 19th consecutive day in view of a strike called by the separatist camp, which had called for a march to Kulgam district for paying tribute to those killed in the clashes with security forces. Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed while public transport remained off roads. Attendance in government offices was very thin, an official said. Among those killed in the violence are two policemen while 5,500 persons, including over 3,000 security personnel, have been injured.
(Feature image source: AFP)