A complete shutdown amid curfew and restrictions was observed across Kashmir Valley on 75th day of the ongoing mass uprising while the arrest spree continue across the region to break the protests.The current phase of unrest in Kashmir started on July 8 when government forces killed top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and two other militants during a gunfight at Bamdooru in Anantnag district. The unrest, so far, has claimed over 80 civilian lives while thousands have been injured, maimed, blinded and paralyzed.The three police station areas of Srinagar’s Old City continued to reel under curfew with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel deployed across length and breadth on streets since early morning. But the other areas of the Old City were also under forces’ siege. There was however light civilian movement without any disruption.In Civil Lines and uptown area of the Srinagar, moderate movement of private transport and pedestrians was seen since early morning but all the shops, commercial establishments, educational institutes and banks were closed. The forces were deployed at sensitive areas in strength.In the evening, stone-pelting clashes erupted at Nowhatta and many other areas of Old City while motorcycle of a policeman was set ablaze by youths at Nawab Bazar area of Old Srinagar.
The policeman however escaped unhurt, an official said, adding that police have taken cognizance of the incident.Reports said that a complete shutdown was also observed in other parts of the Valley including in south and north Kashmir districts. All kinds of business and educational activities remained completely halted in these districts while restrictions were imposed in Pulwama town.Meanwhile, the arrest spree continues across Kashmir and according to police they have arrested 43 more ‘trouble mongers’. According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, there was no curfew in the Valley except under the areas of three police stations in Srinagar.“Police arrested 43 individuals found involved in stopping/disrupting the traffic, damaging vehicles, public property and creating disruption in opening of shops,” the statement said.It said a couple of stone pelting incidents were reported from Zainapora in Shopian and Shangran, Dooru in Anantnag where miscreants in their attempts to disturb the situation assembled and pelted stones on police and security force deployments.“Barring these incidents, the overall situation remained under control across the valley. Greater movement of people and vehicular traffic was observed across the valley including in the Srinagar city,” the statement said. (GNS)