Curfew relaxed in phases, no untoward incident so far

Srinagar, Aug 30 (UNI) In view of the overall improvement in the situation, the authorities today relaxed curfew in phases in Srinagar and other major towns, where it was imposed on August 24, following a Lal Chowk chalo call given by the Coordination Committee (CC) spearheading the present agitation in the valley.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) M A Mujtaba said that curfew has been relaxed in the areas falling under 20 police stations in the city from 1100 hrs to 1300 hrs.

Since the relaxation period was by and large peaceful, we have decided to extend it till 1500 hrs.

He said people came out in large numbers to purchase essentials in the market.

However, Mr Mujtaba said curfew in the areas falling under other police stations of the city, including down town, will be relaxed later.

A resident Ghulam Nabi from Rainawari said that no relaxation was given in the area since last evening when it was relaxed from 1700 hrs for two hours.

''We have been facing acute shortage of milk, bread and other essentails,'' he said, adding the government run ration depot was also closed as there was no rice, atta and sugar.

Ghulam Nabi said security forces were not allowing even women and children to move out to bring milk.

In Badgam, curfew was relaxed in the entire district, barring Soibugh, where one person was killed in security force firing earlier this week.

District Magistrate, Badgam, said curfew was first relaxed from 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs. However, it was later extended till 1300 hrs.

There was no report of any untoward incident during the relaxation period, he said, adding it could be extended.

In Ganderbal, curfew has been relaxed from 1100 hrs to 1400 hrs, official said and added that the relaxation period was so far peaceful.

Curfew was relaxed from 0800 hrs to 2000 hrs in Shopian district of south Kashmir, while in the nearby Kulgam district, it was relaxed from 0800 hrs to 2200 hrs.

Officials said that in Bandipora curfew, was first relaxed for two hours from 1000 hrs, which was later extended till 1500 hrs in view of the normal situation.

In Kupwara, it was relaxed from 1000 hrs to 1500, they said, adding relaxation period in Handwara will be decided later.

UNI BAS ATI NS1353