Protests continue in Srinagar despite curfew

SRINAGAR - A number of people took to streets on Monday despite curfew to protest police excesses during handling of crowds participating in protests.

Dozens of agitated persons defied the curfew enforced in several parts of Srinagar and came on the streets.

Paramilitary and police forces, however, have been deployed in large numbers to prevent public mobilisation and further demonstrations.

The protestors raised anti-Indian slogans and burnt tyres at many places.

To quell the violent mob, police had to fire warning shots in the air and used tear gas shells.

Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited New Delhi and called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with senior members of his Cabinet to discuss the prevailing situation in the Kashmir valley.

After the meeting Abdullah stated that the consensus between the Central and State governments is that restoration of normalcy in Kashmir valley is a pre-requisite for any kind political initiative in the State. (ANI)