Curfew, restrictions and shutdown continue on the 27th consecutive day on Thursday in the Valley, while people at several places offered Zuhar (afternoon) and Asr prayers on roads to mark a protest against the civilian killings in Kashmir.A top police official told KNS that curfew and restrictions were imposed in Kulgam, Pulwama, Anantnag districts and in parts of Srinagar city to thwart any possible protests against the civilian killings in Kashmir.Witnesses said that huge contingent of police and CRPF troopers were deployed on roads and streets and had put concertina wires on roads.Reports of protests were reported from Ashmuqam area of Anantnag district. “Forces dispersed protesters by resorting to tear canisters while some among them sustained minor injuries,” reports said.A protest rally comprising of at least 500 people were marching towards Damhal Hanji pora from Nandimarg in Kulgam district.A police official told KNS that the situation across South Kashmir remained peaceful.The official claimed militants fired on police in DH Pora when they went to the spot to disperse the protesters. “Three bullets hit on BP bunker. Police later used tear canisters to disperse the youth,” the official, wishing anonymity, said.
Banihal and Kishtwar region of Chenab valley today observed complete shutdown to mark a protests against the civilian killings in Kashmir.Reports said in Banihal and Kishtwar, all the shops and other business establishments remained closed while the traffic was thin on roads.Meanwhile, people at various places offered Zuhar and Asr prayers on roads to mark a protest against the civilian killings in Kashmir.Witnesses told KNS that the residents of Arqam Mohalla in Fateh Kadal Srinagar, Bandipora, Kralgund and Langate in Kupwara district offered Zuhar (afternoon) prayers on roads while some others offered Asr prayers on roads as well.Witnesses told KNS that at least one hundred people including young and old offered Zuhar prayers on roads. “Amid chanting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans, the nimazi’s staged peaceful protests against the civilian killings in Kashmir,” witnesses said.They were carrying placards displaying, ‘stop brutal bloodshed in Kashmir, we want freedom and Stop use of pellet guns and pepper gas.’The protesters mostly youth blocked the Baramulla-Handwara highway with erecting temporary barricades and didn’t allow anyone to ply except essential service vehicles.
Locals told KNS that the government employees tried to attend their duties however they were asked by the protesters to close their offices and go back to their homes.Deputy Inspector General (DIG) North Kashmir Range, Uttam Chand told KNS that the situation across north Kashmir remained peaceful.“No stone pelting incident was reported from any part of north Kashmir,” he said.Mobile telephony has been partially clamped down in prepaid mobiles, while internet is shut except in BSNL Broadband connections.Protests in Kashmir started on July 8 after the killing of Hizb commander, Burhan Wani in a gunfight in Bumdoora village of Kokernag area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. (KNS)