Curfew in Kupwara, demonstration at Trehgam

Srinagar, June 13 : An indefinite curfew has been imposed in the Kupwara town following massive demonstration following the death of two persons due to firing by security forces on demonstrators who were protesting against the alleged desecration of a mosque by the Army.

However, residents told UNI over phone that repeated announcements are being made by the police through public address system that shoot at sight orders have been issued by the district administraion.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people took to streets at Trehgam, about 10 km from Kupwara demanding action against the security forces who opened fire on peaceful demonstrators there resulting in the death of a 18-year-old Javid Ahmad.

Official sources said the authorities imposed curfew in the Kupwara town following violent clashes between the riot police and demonstrators, who were demanding action against the security personnel responsible for desecration of a mosque and killing of two youth in the firing.

A local resident Fayaz Ahmad said that Jammu and Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in the town in strength to deal firmly with the violaters of the curfew restriction.

He said residents were not being allowed to purchase milk and bread by the security personnel deployed after every ten feet.

Fayaz said repeated announcement were made through public address system that shoot-at-sight orders have been issued and people were directed to remain indoor.

Official sources said the body of Javid Ahmad, who was killed in a firing by security forces on demonstrators, was kept in the middle of the road at Trehgam.

They said the residents were demanding immediate action against the security forces who opened fire on peaceful demonstrators yesterday.

About 25 people, including five journalsits and 13 police and security personnel were injured in the day-long clashes yesterday.

The trouble in the Kupwara started on Saturday last after a patrol party of the army allegedly entered a mosque without removing their shoes. The army personnel later beat up the people present in the mosque and also showed disrespect to holy books. However, a defence ministry spokesman denied the allegations.

UNI