After more than three weeks, shops reopened in Srinagar and in other towns of Kashmir on Monday evening in response to separatists’ call even as fresh clashes between slogan-chanting crowds and security forces left about a dozen people injured in various parts of the Valley earlier during the day. Old Srinagar city and the southern town of Anantnag continue to be under curfew on the 23rd consecutive day.
Witnesses said shops were back in business in the evening. However, police vehicles made rounds at places asking traders to bring their shutters down. They evoked criticism from shoppers and local residents.
A statement issued by J&K police said that the situation throughout Kashmir remained under control although 15 incidents of stone pelting were reported from different areas of Ganderbal, Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts earlier during the day. The statement further said that “as a precautionary measure,” curfew and restrictions were put in place in police stations of north-zone Srinagar and Anantnag town.
More than 50 people have died and over 3,500 injured in firings and other actions of the security forces during the 24-day unrest triggered by the killing of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, a top command of militant outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahedin. Officials say almost equal number of security personnel too have been injured whereas two J&K policemen were killed in mob attacks.
Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday launched a ‘pro-azadi’ graffiti campaign by writing ‘Go India, Go back’ slogan on the outer boundary wall of his Hyderpora residence here.
In a related development, National Conference leader Iftikhar Misgar announced his decision to quit the party and join the separatist camp. He promised to fight for the ‘freedom cause’ for rest of his life, reports from Anantnag said.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir high court on Monday rapped the Centre on use of pellet guns by Central forces and asked it to explain why the injuries suffered by people are above the knees, mostly in eyes, despite claims of having trained law-enforcing agencies.
The Centre in its said that the CRPF personnel deployed are experienced and fully trained to use anti-riot equipment. It also said that 60 companies of CRPF (including two women companies) are currently deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for security arrangements during Amarnath yatra with effect from June 18 till completion of the yatra.
