Authorities on Friday imposed strict curfew in two Southern districts and in parts of Srinagar to foil the Hazratbal chalo march called by the separatist leaders while the protests and clashes erupted at several places against the civilian killings in Kashmir.A top police official told KNS that a strict curfew and restrictions were imposed in Kulgam, Pulwama, Srinagar and in parts of other districts to foil the march called by the separatists.A large contingent of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed on roads and streets and had erected concertina wires to foil any possible march.Meanwhile, police detained Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and senior Hurriyat leader, Aga Syed Hassan after they tried to lead protest march towards Dargah from their respective residences.Meanwhile, reports of protests and clashes were reported from several areas in central, South and North Kashmir here.According to KNS correspondent, the residence of Pantha Chowk carried out a protest rally against the civilian killings in Kashmir. The protest rally as per KNS correspondent started from Aaripora in which hundreds of people participated.
The protesters were carrying banners displaying ‘we want freedom’ and were chanting pro-freedom slogans. The rally was later peacefully concluded at Bypass.Protests and clashes were also reported from Charar-e-Sharief area of district Budgam.According to KNS correspondent, at least two youth were injured during the clashes between youth and forces in Alamdar Basti area of Chara-e-Shareef.“As soon as Friday congregations ended in local Masjid, the people here defied the curfew and start protesting against the civilian killings in Kashmir while police swung into action to disperse the youth who in return pelted stone on them,” witnesses told KNS.“At least two civilians were injured after police resorted to aerial firing and tear gas canisters. The injured were shifted to SDH Charar-e-Shareef for treatment,” witnesses said.Earlier, Hurriyat leader Ghulam Muhammad Hubi addressed the people in the locality and appealed people to follow the protest programmes strictly. “I appeal people mostly youth not to give any chance to forces to open fire,” he said.A protest rally was carried out in Soiteng Lasjan area of Srinagar in which thousands of people marched amid shouting pro-freedom slogans.
The protest led by Hurriyat leader, Omar Aadail Dar carried banners and were chanting pro-freedom slogans.The protesters later dispersed peacefully.Meanwhile, reports of clashes and protest rallies were reported from several areas of South Kashmir districts.At least two civilians were injured during the clashes between youth and forces in the Tral area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. “Forces used tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters in the locality during which two youth sustained injuries,” witnesses said.Clashes were also erupted between youth and forces in Imam Sahib Village of Shopian.
Reports said that forces tried to disperse protesters, triggering clashes.Meanwhile, after the Friday congregational prayers, protests rallies were carried in several areas of South Kashmir districts.Reports said that people came out on roads and started pro-freedom sloganeering in Fateh Pora area of district Anantnag while protest rallies were also carried out in Eidgah Ashaji Pora and Dialgam area against the civilian killings in Kashmir.A protests rally was held in Khrew area of Pampore in Pulwama district while a similar rally was held by Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) activists and supporters in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district. The similar protests and clashes were reported after Friday congregational prayers in North Kashmir districts.
Reports said that clashes erupted between youth and forces in Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.Hundreds of protesters tried to march towards main town from Jamia Masjid Hajin, however, forces stopped them by disbursing to tear smoke shells triggering clashes.As per KNS correspondent, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Sopore area of north Kashmir while scores of people sustained injuries and were shifted to the hospital for treatment.Inspector General of Police (IGP), Javaid Mujtaba Gilani told KNS that barring few minor clashes at several places the situation across the Valley remained peaceful till 05:15 PM.“The situation across South remained under control throughout the day while as per reports no fresh injured has was shifted to the hospital today,” he said.He informed KNS that the Srinagar-Jammu national highway which remained suspended from past several days for day traffic will be thrown open from tomorrow. (KNS)