Kashmir Valley remains shut for 68th consecutive day

Srinagar, Sept 14: Authorities imposed heavy deployment of security forces here and other parts of Kashmir Valley on Wednesday as it remains shut for the 68th consecutive day.

"Sufficient deployment of security forces have been made in Srinagar and other districts to maintain law and order today (Wednesday)," a senior police official told IANS.

Authorities had imposed a valley wide curfew on Tuesday following intelligence reports that the separatists planned a large scale violence after the Eid congregation.

Security forces were not stopping individual movement here on Wednesday as people were seen moving in the old city as well as the uptown areas of Srinagar. Most of the people moving in the city carried mutton of sacrificial sheep to their relatives and friends.

Muslims in the valley slaughter sheeps and goats on the Eid-ul-Adha to commemorate the submission of Prophet Abraham to Allah's decree.

Reports from other district headquarters said individual movement of people carrying mutton were being allowed by the security forces.

All internet services, both on mobile phones and through broadband or landline connections, remained suspended for the third day on Wednesday.

Operation of mobile phones except BSNL postpaid phones also remain suspended for the past three days.

Incoming calls facility on all prepaid phones have been suspended in the valley since July 9, a day after top militant Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces.

At least 85 people have been killed and around 11,500 injured in the worst unrest in the valley after the 2010 violence.

Educational institutions, main markets, public transports as well as other businesses remain shut throughout the valley.

Markets also remained closed in the valley on the eve of Eid which was unprecedented.

Train services between Baramulla town in the valley and Bannihal town in the Jammu region also remain suspended for the past 68 days.

IANS