Kashmir Valley remains shut for 64th consecutive day
Kashmir remained shut for the 64th consecutive day on Saturday with authorities deploying security personnel in Srinagar and other places in the Valley to maintain law and order.
Clashes, however, broke in old city areas of Srinagar when a state government driver was allegedly beaten to death by the security forces.
Police spokesman has refuted the allegation saying that the driver had died in a road accident.
Meanwhile, sources here said the army has started mobilisation of soldiers to south Kashmir areas where anti-militancy operations had remained suspended for over two months because of public demonstrations and clashes.
Chief of Army General Dalbir Singh is presently on a two-day visit to the Valley. Sources said the Army Chief’s visit has been timed with the decision taken by the central government that without getting directly involved in crowd control, the army should help the civil administration re-establish authority in places like south Kashmir.
Crowds in south Kashmir have defied curfews and restrictions during the last 64 days. All educational institutions, main markets and public transport continues to remain shut.
Clashes erupt in Shopian, several injured
Clashes between protesters and the government forces erupted Saturday in Shopian district resulting in injuries to many protesters. People had organised a freedom rally at Tukroo area of south Kashmir district of Shopian however, government forces including army used force to foil the rally, sources said. Locals alleged that government forces have closed the road leading to local PHC and injured are still in the area. PHC, sources told Kashmir Post that they have received six injured persons. Sources said protesters pelted stones on forces and during clashes several were injured.
Clashes were going on when reports last came in.
Clashes erupt in Budgam, dozens injured
Clashes between protesters and the government forces erupted Saturday in Budgam district resulting in injuries to dozens of protesters. Locals alleged that people had organised a freedom rally at Dardpora, area of central Kashmir district which was “attacked” by forces.
“As soon as people started assembling in Eidgah Dardpora, government forces including police, SOG, CRPF and army attacked them,” a local told Kashmir Post over phone. He added that hundreds of tear gas shells and pellets were fired on people resulting in injuries to dozens including women. “Army men even chased women and beat them with guns and lathis,” he said.
Sources said that injured persons have been shifted to Krimshore and Khansahab hospitals as forces had allegedly closed road to district hospital, Budgam. Local sources said that people of many neighbouring villages have started marching towards Dardpora, soon after they heard about the incident.
Clashes in Anantnag after forces vandalise rally venue
Clashes between protesters and the government forces erupted Saturday in Anantnag district resulting in injuries to nine protesters, one of them critically. Locals alleged that people had organised a freedom rally at Hillad, Dooru area of south Kashmir district of Anantnag the venue of which was vandalised by government forces followed by clashes.
“Government forces vandalised the rally venue and resorted to tear gas shelling and pellet firing,” local sources told Kashmir Post. They said protesters pelted stones on forces and during clashes at least nine protesters were injured, one among them was referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment.
