Curfew Lifted From Kashmir, Except Anantnag Town

Srinagar: Curfew was lifted from across Kashmir, barring Anantnag town on Thursday, following improvement in situation, a day after it was re-imposed in parts of the Valley to thwart a separatist march to Kulgam district.

"There is no curfew anywhere in the Valley except Anantnag town of south Kashmir," a police officer said. He said the restrictions on movement of people have been lifted in view of the improving situation.

"The situation throughout the Valley remained peaceful and under control on Wednesday. There was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the Valley," the officer said.

Yesterday, the authorities re-imposed curfew in entire Kulgam district and Anantnag town as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. Curfew had also been imposed in five police station areas of Srinagar city — Khanyar, Rainawari, Maharaj Gunj, Safa Kadal and Nowhatta — while restrictions were imposed on assembly of four or more persons in jurisdiction of Maisuma and Kralkhud police stations. The officer, however, said there were no restrictions in the city on Thursday.

The postpaid mobile telephony services have been restored across all networks in the Valley where 47 persons have died in violent clashes between protesters and security forces following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

The incoming facility on prepaid connections has also been restored, but the outgoing calls are barred on such numbers, the officer said. He said no decision has been taken yet, on the resumption of mobile internet services in the Valley.

Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed for the 20th consecutive day on Thursday, in view of the strike called by the separatist camp.

Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed due to the strike while public transport remained off roads. Attendance in government offices was very thin, the officer said. Two policemen were among those killed in the violence while 5,500 people, including over 3,000 security personnel, have been injured.