Curfew imposed in Kupwara, lifted in Sopore

SRINAGAR - Curfew was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir’s border district of Kupwara Saturday, a day after clashes between protesters and security personnel, while it was lifted in Sopore town, which saw violent protests in the past week.

The Kupwara district magistrate imposed curfew in the border town and the adjacent areas of Trehgam, Lonehari and Kralpora, an official spokesman said.

Thousands of protesters clashed with police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in the town after Friday prayers.

Over 20 people, including policemen, were wounded. Four of the seriously wounded were shifted to Srinagar for specialized treatment.

Curfew was lifted from the north Kashmir town of Sopore as the situation improved. People came out of their homes to buy essential items, a police officer said.

However, stone-pelting mobs again clashed with police, leading to closure of many shops.

Life in Srinagar and other towns remained paralyzed in view of the separatist shutdown.

Shops and businesses were closed while public transport went off roads. A few private vehicles were seen in the civil line areas.

Strict security restrictions continued in Old City areas, which now face a shortage of essential commodities.

At least 11 people have been killed in the Kashmir Valley in firing by security forces on stone-pelting mobs protesting against alleged human rights violations.