Curfew, separatist shutdown enters 15th day in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 23: Life remained paralysed in the Kashmir Valley as curfew, restrictions and separatists called shutdown continued for the 15th day on Saturday.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to begin his two-day trip to Kashmir on Saturday, marking his second visit this month to the conflict-ridden region.

He first visited on July 2 after eight CRPF troopers were killed by militants in Pampore area of Pulwama district. Singh had also performed the Amarnath Yatra.

The Union Home Minister is scheduled to meet official and public delegations later in the day in an effort to end the impasse brought about in the Valley since July 9, a day after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed along two of its associates in a gunfight in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

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Official sources said Singh will also visit some areas in south Kashmir affected by the ongoing violence which has claimed 48 lives -- 46 civilians and two policemen -- so far.

Officials said strict curfew will continue in south Kashmir's Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama districts while restrictions will remain in force in the rest of the Valley.

IANS