Curfew, restrictions, shutdown hit Kashmir valley

Srinagar, Aug 21: Life in the valley yet again stands paralyzed as separatists call for a a shutdown across Kashmir while curfew and restrictions have been imposed across several regions as fears of further violence looms large.

"Following information that miscreants and anti-social elements intend to disrupt peace and prompt the youths to violence, preventive measures have been taken to protect civilian life and property," a police official is quoted as saying in a news agency report.

While curfew has been imposed in nine police station areas of Srinagar besides Anantnag and Bijbehera towns, restrictions are in place in Sopore, Baramulla, Handwara and Kupwara towns.

On Friday, Aug 20, two civilian deaths were reported. While a 28-year-old man was killed in police firing in Anantnag district, a 18-year-old youngster, who sustained injuries in a Sopore clash on Thursday, Aug 19, succumbed in a hospital on Friday, Aug 20 morning.

Using these deaths to instigate the people further, the separatist Hurriyat group headed by Syed Ali Geelani has asked people to observe a shutdown across the Valley on Saturday, Aug 21 as part of the group's 'Quit Kashmir' campaign.

While shops, educational institutions, banks, post offices and businesses have been closed due to the curfew, life in other areas has been crippled due to the separatist shutdown.

OneIndia News