Protester hit by CRPF vehicle dies, shutdown in Srinagar

Authorities on Saturday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar while the separatists called a strike across Kashmir after the death of a youth who was allegedly hit by a Central Reserve Police Force vehicle during clashes with stone-pelting protesters.

Most shops, business establishments and fuel stations in Srinagar were closed as the separatists announced a strike to protest against civilian killings.

There were reports of similar shutdowns from other parts of the Valley.

The authorities imposed a curfew in Nowhatta area in Srinagar’s old city, where the clash took place on Friday.

Restrictions under section 144 of the CrPc, which prohibits the gathering of people, were in force in six other police station areas of the city  -- Rainawari, Safakadal, Khanyar, MR Gunj, Maisuma and Kralkhud.

The curbs were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order after the youth’s death in a hospital around midnight.

Buses didn’t run in Srinagar following the strike call. But private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in the areas where there were no restrictions.

Private schools were shut in the city, an official said.

He said similar reports of the strike being observed were received from other district headquarters in the Valley.

Train services in Kashmir were also stopped for the day.

The authorities have also suspended mobile internet services in Srinagar and Budgam districts while the network speed has been reduced in four south Kashmir districts.

After the Friday prayers ended at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar’s Nowhatta on Friday, a group of youths had started pelting stones at the security forces, an official said.

Some protesters attacked a CRPF vehicle, which hit Kaiser Bhat, 21, and another man.

They were taken to to SKIMS hospital at Soura, where Bhat later died.

Police on Saturday booked unidentified stonepelters for attempt to murder and rioting while charging the Central Reserve Police Force driver with rash driving in connection with Friday’s clashes.