Restrictions in Kashmir again to prevent separatist protests

SRINAGAR - Restrictions in parts of Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, continued Thursday as authorities tried to scuttle protests and demonstrations by separatist groups against alleged human rights violations.

Leader of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Geelani, has called for sit-ins and protests actoss the valley.

Restrictions were placed in five old city areas as well as in uptown Maisuma locality. There was a clamp down in north Kashmir’s Sopore and Baramulla towns as well.

Shops, markets, public transport, banks, educational institutions and post offices remained closed in areas placed under restrictions while skeletal private transport plied in the uptown areas and outskirts of Srinagar city.

“The restrictions are there to protect public life and property from damage by the anti-social elements,” a senior police officer said here.

As many as 15 civilians have been killed in the Valley since June 11 in alleged firing by security forces. Two were drowned during protests between unruly mobs and security forces.

Besides setting up a two-member judicial commission to probe the civilian deaths, the state government has also announced ex gratia relief to the next of kin of those killed during the present cycle of violence.