Curfew imposed across Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR - Curfew was imposed in Srinagar and other major towns of the Kashmir Valley to prevent Friday protests called by the separatists. Officials said schools would open from Monday and that steps are being taken to end the cycle of violence.

“Curfew has been imposed to maintain law and order,” a senior police officer said here.

Protests and incidents of stone-pelting after the congregation of Friday prayers have almost become a routine affair during the last three months of unrest in the valley that has claimed 104 lives so far.

Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani had asked people to resume normal life Friday and observe a protest shutdown Saturday and Sunday.

“No separatist leader would be allowed to paralyse life across the valley and cause adverse effect on education of children, commercial activities and the livelihood of people,” an administration official said.

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Asgar Samoon has asked parents to send their children to schools and colleges from Monday onwards.

All educational institutions and markets have virtually remained closed during the last three months because of separatist shutdowns and curfew imposed by the authorities.

“The cycle of violence will have to end now and for that the administration is prepared to take necessary steps,” police here said.