Restrictions lifted but shutdown hits life in Srinagar

SRINAGAR - Official restrictions were lifted Monday in the Old City areas of Srinagar but a shutdown called by separatists affected life across the Kashmir Valley.

“There are no restrictions anywhere in the Valley today. The situation is under control,” a police officer said.

He added that searches were resumed to find the body of a teenager who allegedly drowned in north Kashmir Baramulla town Saturday after being chased by security forces.

The hardline separatist Hurriyat group headed by Syed Ali Geelani has called for a complete shutdown here Monday against alleged human rights violations and appealed to government employees to carry out peaceful protests.

Shops, educational institutions and business establishments remained closed in Srinagar city. Public transport went off the roads but a few private vehicles were seen plying in uptown areas.

Mobs of stone-pelting youth took to the streets in Nowhatta, Gojwara and Victory Crossing in the Old City, forcing traffic to go off roads.

Authorities have, meanwhile, deputed a team of river policemen from Srinagar to Baramulla town to help locate the body of the 13-year-old Faizan Ahmad Buhroo in the Jhelum river.

Buhroo had allegedly jumped into the river after a mob of stone pelters was chased by the security forces at Azadgunj Bridge Saturday.

District Magistrate (Baramulla) Bashir Ahmad Bhat said the priority of the administration was to find the teenager’s body.

“A probe can later be carried out into the circumstances responsible for the teenager’s unfortunate death,” Bhat said.

The valley has been virtually paralysed due to violent protests against civilians being killed in firing by security forces. Fourteen people, including a 25-year old woman, have been killed in firing by security personnel at protesting mobs across the Kashmir Valley since June 11.

The army was called in to help maintain law and order as the violence spiralled.

The state government has announced an independent enquiry to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths.