Restrictions imposed in tense Srinagar

SRINAGAR - Authorities imposed strict restrictions in the Old City areas of Srinagar Thursday morning as protests against the death of a teenager again paralyzed life in the Kashmir Valley.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the urban hub of a dragging separatist campaign, witnessed fierce clashes here Wednesday that left 40 wounded.

The condition of two young protesters injured after being hit by tear smoke shells in Nowhatta and Nawakadal localities remained critical, said hospital sources.

Fearing more trouble, authorities Thursday moved in police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) reinforcements in the entire Old City.

Roads were blocked to restrict pedestrian and vehicular movement. The authorities also banned the gathering of five or more people at any area in Srinagar.

A complete strike was observed in major towns of the Kashmir Valley against the death of a 13-year old schoolboy Whamiq Farooq, who was hit by a tear smoke shell Sunday evening.

The killing has triggered a wave of violent protests in Srinagar and other major towns in the valley.

The situation in the valley was reviewed here Wednesday evening at a meeting chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Inspector General of police Farooq Ahmad.

Police arrested three prominent separatist leaders, including Shabir Shah and Naeem Khan of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, whose chairman Mirwaiz Umer is already under house arrest.