Kashmir calm; restrictions in interior Srinagar

Barring a clash between protesters and security forces which left one person injured in Sopore, situation in strike-hit Kashmir Valley remained calm though restrictions were imposed in parts of interior city where Hurriyat Conference had planned to hold a meeting.

A group of protesters indulged in stone pelting on security forces at Chankhan locality of Sopore town, 55 kms from Srinagar, in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, a police spokesman said.

He said security forces used teargas shells and batons in an effort to bring the situation under control. A local youth identified as Waseem Akbar Lone was injured and shifted to sub district Hospital, the spokesman said adding his condition is stable.

Except the clash at Sopore, the situation across Kashmir Valley remained peaceful since Saturday night, he said. "

"There are no curfew restrictions in the entire Valley," the spokesman said.

In view of the restrictions imposed by the District Magistrate under section 144 CrPC, banning assembly of four or more persons at any public place, the spokesman said a proposed function of Awami Action Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq at Rajouri Kadal was not allowed.

"As has been observed in the past, many of such functions end up in violence as happened on Eid-ul-Fitr on September 11," the spokesman said adding besides the permission was not sought from the concerned competent authority in this regard.

Strongly reacting to restrictions imposed around Rajouri Kadal in downtown Srinagar and his house arrest, Mirwaiz said the AAC had convened the meeting to express solidarity with the prisoners and the families of the youths arrested during the ongoing unrest.

Meanwhile, normal life in Srinagar city and other major towns of the Valley remained affected due to the strike call given by hardline faction of the Hurriyat headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Most shops, business and commercial establishments remained closed while public transport was off the roads. However, some private vehicles could be seen plying in the city.

Police launched a special drive to check motorcycles in the city after a reported incident of unidentified bike-borne persons threatening private vehicle owners yesterday to enforce a strike called by Geelani.

The checking was carried out at several places including Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk and Budshah Chowk but no arrests were made.