Kashmir keeps the peace on Friday

A strict curfew blanket spread across Kashmir valley ensured a peaceful Friday. It also stymied the call for a march to the Eidgah ground in Srinagar to attend a rally against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru at Tihar Jail in Delhi last Saturday.

On Thursday night, the administration had moved thousands of troops and personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force for deployment across the valley, after announcements about re-imposition of curfew were made.

Reportage: Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

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Security forces had laid coils of razor-fitted wire to block roads and intersections to discourage any movement by vehicles and pedestrians.

Even journalists had a tough time as the administration had not issued any curfew passes to them.

Friday prayers were offered by various congregations in Srinagar and other towns. Prayers were also offered for Guru.

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Protests against Guru's hanging were held in front of several mosques in the valley.

A senior police official said the day -- the first Friday after the hanging of Guru -- had passed peacefully in Kashmir.

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Meanwhile, Chairman of the hard-line faction of the Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani has extended the call for a protest shutdown for two more days.

Residents of the old city complained about the shortage of essential commodities because of the continued curfew across the valley.

Internet services remained suspended in Kashmir for the seventh day today.

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