Curfew lifted in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, July 21: Curfew was today lifted from all parts of Kashmir but normal life in the Valley remained affected due to the strike call given by hardline Hurriyat Conference to protest against the firing incident in Ramban district that left four persons dead.

Authorities lifted curfew from all parts of the Valley this morning in view of the improvement in the law and order situation since yesterday, official sources said.

They said police and other security agencies are keeping a close vigil on the situation across Kashmir. Curfew was imposed on Friday in all areas of Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal and Bandipora districts and Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Bijbehara and Sopore towns.

It remained in force yesterday also. Restrictions under section 144 CrPC, which does not permit assembly of four or more persons, remained in force in rest of the Valley during the past two days.

More than 100 persons, mostly security force personnel, were injured in the clashes between protestors and law enforcing agencies -- on Friday and Saturday – in the wake of Ramban firing incident. Although curfew has been lifted, normal life remained affected due to the strike called by Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the Ramban killings.

Shops and other business establishments remained closed while public transport remained off roads due to the strike. Handcarts of roadside vendors and few private vehicles dotted the otherwise deserted roads of the summer capital of the state. There were no reports of any untoward incident so far from anywhere in the Valley, police said.

PTI