Curfew continues in parts of Srinagar, Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, March 7 (IANS) Curfew continued for the second day without relaxation in parts of Jammu, Srinagar and some other places in the Kashmir Valley Thursday.

“Curfew will remain in place in Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safa Kadal, Zadibal, Maisuma and Kralkhud police station areas in Srinagar city today (Thursday).

“Curfew has also been imposed in Trehgam and Sopore towns of the valley,” a senior police officer here said.

The officer added that restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPc) have been imposed in all other major towns of the valley.

An assembly of five or more people is deemed as unlawful under these restrictions and security forces can use force to break such assemblies.

Tension continued for the third day in the region Thursday over the death of a 24-year-old youth, Tahir Lateef Sofi, in firing allegedly by security forces in north Kashmir’s Baramulla town Tuesday.

While the state police have lodged a first information report (FIR) against some security personnel believed to be responsible for the youth’s killing, the army has also announced a time-bound probe into the firing incident.

Life has come to a standstill in Srinagar city and other major towns of the Kashmir Valley with tension gripping the region since the youth’s killing.

On Wednesday, groups of angry youths blocked roads and highways in the valley by hurling stones on passing vehicles and erecting temporary barricades. Angry mobs were seen defying curfew imposed in some areas of Srinagar and in Baramulla and Sopore towns.

Mobs also indulged in heavy stone pelting and clashed with security forces at dozens of places in the valley.

Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been given strict instructions to exercise maximum restraint while handling mobs.

The Kashmir University has announced postponement of all the exams scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

IANS 2013-03-07 11:14:06