Curfew continues in Kashmir, non-Kashmiris fleeing Valley

JAMMU - As curfew continues in Srinagar and all other towns of the Kashmir Valley for the sixth consecutive day, people from outside the state working with central government organisations have started leaving the area.

The threat perception among the non-Kashmiris, who were working in different parts of the Valley, has increased after a series of attacks on the railway stations in Sopore and Budgam.

On Tuesday, shoot- at-sight orders were issued in Srinagar as three more persons were killed in firing by security forces on violent protesters.

The shoot-at-sight orders were announced through public address systems fitted in police vans in areas of Dal Gate, Residency Road and All India Radio Crossing in the city.

Protesters defied curfew restrictions in Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Awantipora, Kulgam and Baramulla and indulged in heavy stone pelting on security personnel.

Protests also spread to Jammu region’s Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts as people held anti-government demonstrations and blocked Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

The demonstrations were also held in Kishtwar and Doda districts. There was also a shut down in three towns of Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and Banihal of Jammu region.

Meanwhile, the Central government has decided to send nearly 2000 paramilitary force personnel to the Valley while another 3,200, currently based in the state, will be redeployed in trouble-torn areas.

32 companies (3,200 personnel) currently posted in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir will be redeployed in the trouble-torn districts of Kashmir. (ANI)