A curfew-like situation prevailed across Kashmir on Monday, the second day of the three-day strike call given by the separatists against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmed Bhat and his associate Faizan Ahmed at Tral in Pulwama on May 27.
Sabzar’s killing led to clashes between protesters and security forces across Kashmir in which one civilian was killed and dozens were injured.
The government quickly suspended the Internet and mobilised forces to ensure there was not repeat of the 2016 summer uprising after Hizbul commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani and two of his associates were killed in July.
Two civilians were injured on Monday as the CRPF retaliated after the protesters pelted stones at the forces in some parts of Pulwama, including Tahab.
Clashes were also reported in areas like 90 feet in Srinagar, Batapora area of Sopore and Trehgam in Kupwara on Monday.
In Srinagar, a curfew like restrictions were witnessed in areas like Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, MR Gunj, Rainawari, Kralkhud, and Maisuma. Police sources said the restrictions were imposed to thwart attempts by youth to stage protests.
The police and paramilitary troopers had placed roadblocks at volatile areas like Habba Kadal, Maisuma and Kani Kadal. Spools of concertina were used to seal many important points in the city that included some bridges in downtown Srinagar.
Very little vehicular and pedestrian movement was witnessed on the roads that saw no deployment of troops. Business, colleges and schools, and many offices remained closed for the day. The situation is likely to be the same on Tuesday also as the authorities have hinted at no relaxing the squeeze across the valley. The train services continued to remain suspended on the second consecutive day.
The prepaid mobile telephone services also remained suspended. Sources said the services will not be restored until the situation improves. The same holds true for mobile Internet.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir range Munir Ahmad Khan said the situation across the Valley remained under control throughout the day.
“Barring two minor stone pelting incidents in Tahab and 90 feet, the situation remained under control,” he said.
According to divisional commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan, schools and colleges across the Valley will remain closed on Tuesday as a precaution.
