Kashmir toll 97 in 100 days of unrest (Second Lead)

SRINAGAR - A second protester was killed in firing by security forces in Kashmir Valley Saturday, taking the toll in 100 days of unrest to 97 as authorities relaxed the indefinite curfew in parts of Srinagar and other areas to allow people to buy essentials.

A protester, identified as 35-year-old Ansar Ahmed, was killed in firing by security forces in north Kashmir’s Palhalan village in Baramulla district.

Earlier in the day, 25-year-old Noorul Amin Dagga was killed in south Kashmir’s Anantnag in security forces’ firing during demonstrations after the body of a youth, who had jumped into the Jhelum river last week when security forces chased mobs, was fished out in the morning.

Defying curfew, people took out a large procession carrying the fished out body of Maroof Ahmad Nath. The procession turned violent as agitating mobs attempted to torch government property. Security forces then opened fire, in which Noorul Amin Dagga was killed.

“The body of a youth identified as Maroof Ahmad Nath was fished out from Jhelum river in Anantnag today and a huge procession was held in the town, defying the curfew imposed there,” the officer said.

“The mobs attacked security forces deployed to enforce curfew restrictions and also attempted torching public property. Security forces had to open fire and one person died in the firing,” the officer added.

Five people were also injured in the incident.

On Saturday, a 22-year-old youth injured in Friday’s clashes between security forces and protesters in Boatman Colony (Bemina) in Srinagar died of his injuries in hospital.

“Fayaz Ahmad Naiku of Boatman Colony (Bemina), who was admitted to SKIMSS (Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura) Friday after being injured in clashes with security forces, died in hospital today,” a senior police officer said.

Police said an angry mob set a policeman’s house on fire in Pinjoora village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district Friday night.

The indefinite curfew, imposed in all major towns across the valley on Monday, was relaxed in parts of Srinagar and some areas in the valley allowing people to buy essentials. People were complaining of shortages of medicines, baby foods and cooking gas due to the curfew.

“Curfew has been relaxed from 12 noon to 4 p.m. in uptown areas of Srinagar city and in many other places of the valley to allow people buy essentials,” a senior police officer said here.

“A decision on curfew relaxation in old city areas of Srinagar is also being taken shortly,” he added.

People came out in large numbers in many uptown areas to buy essential supplies as announcements about curfew relaxation were made on local TV and radio stations besides on loudspeaker-mounted police vehicles.

The valley has been under curfew since Sep 13 when 18 people were killed in unprecedented violence.