Life remains crippled in Baramulla for 2nd day today

Baramulla, Nov 28 (UNI) Life in the town and its adjoining areas remained paralysed for the second day today, this time due to undeclared curfew imposed by the authorities since early this morning.

It was spontaneous strike in the town yesterday in protest against the arrest of youths by the security forces who participated in anti-poll and pro-freedom demonstrations in the town.

Official sources said restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure.

Residents of old town, the most trouble spot in this north Kashmir town, which goes to polls on December 7 in the 4th phase, alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses by the security forces deployed after every ten feet.

They said they were not being allowed to purchase essentials by the security forces who are announcing that curfew has been imposed in the entire town.

However, one could see some people moving around in the civil lines and new town.

Police yesterday burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse hundreds of women demanding release of youths arrested during the past few days for their alleged participation in recent demonstrations against the killing of two youths in security force firing on Friday last.

Seven assembly segments in Baramulla town go to the polls on December 7 along with 11 other constituencies in the fourth phase.

The local resident alleged that youths who participated in recent protests after two teenagers were killed in security force firing on Friday at Khanpora, were being made target despite assurance by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, and Inspector General of police that those arrested would be released and security forces involved in the shooting would be punished.

The authorities have already announced a judicial probe into the firing by security forces.

UNI XC/BAS RC KN1312