Curfew-like restrictions affected normal life amid a complete shutdown across Kashmir Valley on Monday for the second consecutive following killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhat and his associate at Tral in Pulwama district during a gunbattle.According to GNS correspondent, strict restrictions remained imposed across eight police station areas of summer capital Srinagar to thwart protests. The police station areas where curfew-like curbs remained in place include Safa Kadal, MR Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Maisuma, Nowhatta, Kralkhud, Batamaloo, Khanyar and Kralkhud. Hundreds of police and CRPF men were deployed in these areas who enforced the curbs strictly and didn’t allow civilians to move freely, witnesses said.According to witnesses, the roads and streets in restrictions-bound areas wore a deserted look with only forces men visible.
The situation in areas where there were no restrictions was same but fewer pedestrians and private vehicles could be seen moving in the afternoon. The Lal Chowk commercial hub also wore a deserted look throughout the day. All the shops, commercial establishments and educational institutes remained closed.The restrictions were also imposed in sensitive parts of south Kashmir but overall situation remained peaceful and there was no major incident of violence. A complete shutdown was observed in Awantipora, Tral, Anantnag, Khanabal, Pampore, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Kakapora and other areas. Police said barring one stone-pelting at Tahab in Pulwama district, situation remained peaceful elsewhere in South Kashmir including Tral. Hundreds of people thronged the houses of slain Sabzar, Faizan and civilian Aqib in Tral to express solidarity with bereaved families.Complete shutdown was observed in North Kashmir against the killing of two militants including top commander Sabzar Bhat.
Reports from Baramulla, Sopore, Hajin, Bandipora, Kupwara and other areas said the impact of shutdown was highly visible. Reports said stone-pelting clashes erupted at Trehgam village of Kupwara between youth and government forces. No one was injured in the clashes. The shutdown was also observed in Ganderbal and Budgam districts.As per police statement, situation remained peaceful and under control throughout Kashmir valley. “A stray stone pelting incident was reported from Tahab in Pulwama. No injury was reported till filing of this report. A group of miscreants pelted stones on 182 CRPF Camp at Tahab. Police and security forces used maximum restraint and chased them away. However, restrictions under section 144 CrPC remained imposed in some vulnerable areas of the valley to thwart any untoward incident,” it said.According to officials, the restriction would continue to remain in place in Srinagar areas in tomorrow as well as in South Kashmir parts in view of Hurriyat call of March to Tral.(GNS)