Curfew imposed in several parts of Kashmir

SRINAGAR - Authorities on Sunday imposed curfew in many parts of Kashmir Valley in the wake of the shutdown call by separatists.

According to the police, the curfew remained in force in areas such as Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, M R Gunj, Bemina and Qammerwari.

Restrictions were also imposed in Kupwara and Kralpora towns of north Kashmir and in Hyderpora and Budgam towns in central Kashmir.

Except stone pelting incidents at Habba Kadal and Chota Bazar in old city and Palhallan in Baramulla district, situation across the valley remained peaceful.

“Five persons were arrested in Handwara in Kupwara district, who were part of a group of miscreants intimidating the shopkeepers in the town who had resumed the business activities in the main Chowk Handwara and were forcing them to close,” a police spokesman said.

“The five arrested have been identified as Ghulam Mustafa, working in Fisheries Department presently posted at Kokernag, Waseem Hassan Banday, forest Guard posted at Baramulla, Mushtaq Ahmed Banday also a Forest Guard posted at Natnasu-Kupwara, Saleem Yousuf Banday and Manzoor Ahmad Banday, both students,” he added.

He also said a deputy superintendent of police was injured in the incident.

On Sunday evening, business establishments, however, opened and traffic resumed in Srinagar and elsewhere in the valley after a hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference announced break for 14 hours from 5 p.m. (ANI)