Two days after youth killed, curfew continues in parts of Kashmir

Curfew continued to remain in force in parts of the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday as a precautionary measure but the rest of the Valley observed a shutdown in wake of the killing of a youth by security forces on Wednesday.

“Curfew will continue in five police station areas of Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, M R Gunj and Safakadal in the interior Srinagar city,” a spokesman of the district administration said.

He said though there is no curfew in other areas, where it was in force on Thursday, restrictions had been imposed and security forces have been deployed in strength in such areas in view of the apprehensions of the law and order problems.

A youth, Bashir Ahmad Bhat, was killed on Wednesday when security forces allegedly opened fire to chase away stone-pelting protesters. The protests erupted in Nawa Kadal area when security forces were being withdrawn after poll duty.

The spokesman said the administration will take a decision on lifting of the curfew in the evening after assessing the situation. Meanwhile, life in other parts of the Kashmir Valley remained out of gear, as people observed a spontaneous shutdown to protest against the killing. Most shops and business establishments were shut and educational institutions and government offices received thin attendance. Authorities added that public transport was mostly off the roads, while private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying.

Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for peaceful protests after Friday’s prayers against Bhat’s killing and the ‘arrest spree’ of the ‘pro-freedom’ people. Geelani has also appealed the preachers to highlight the atrocities of the security forces in Kashmir during the Friday sermon.