Security tightened in Kashmir for'Idgah chalo' rally

Srinagar, Aug 22 : Security measures have been intensified in sensitive areas in the Kashmir Valley following a 'Idgah chalo' call given by the Coordination Committee of the Hurriyat Conference to protest against the agitation by the Shri Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti.

Both factions of Hurriyat Conference, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other groups, resumed their agitation today after suspending it for three days on August 19.

The separatists have asked the people to take to streets and march to Idgah, a ground in the city, where they will announce the committee's future course of action.

According to reports, vehicles with black flags were seen moving on the roads in the city.

Meanwhile, night curfew continued in Jammu and Udhampur districts as a precautionary measure, while relaxation for varying periods has been given in Samba and Kishtwar towns of Jammu region.

Curfew was relaxed in Jammu and Udhampur districts from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., in Kishtwar town, while it was relaxed for four and half hour from 7:00 a.m. and in Samba town curfew relaxation has been given for 11 hours from 5:00a.m., official sources said.

On Wednesday, the Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti announced a series of agitational programmes, including the launch of a civil disobedience movement against the administration, till all its demands were met. The Samiti has called for a complete shutdown on August 25. Police has arrested 18 people in connection with large-scale protests over the land imbroglio.

The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, temporarily suspended last week following the violence, has resumed with 61 passengers leaving for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

ANI