Uneasy calm in Kashmir as strike, curbs continue

Train, mobile Internet services suspended

An uneasy calm prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir for the second consecutive day on Monday with strike and restrictions continuing in the state.

The Valley has been on the edge since Saturday following the killing of Burhan Wani’s successor Sabzar Ahmed Bhat in an encounter with security forces at Tral in south Kashmir. The separatists have issued a strike call and the authorities have imposed curfew-like restrictions.

Normal life has been paralysed with shops, business establishments, marketplaces and educational institutions remaining closed. The public transport system has also been grounded across the Valley. 

The separatists have asked the public to march on Tuesday towards Tral, the birthplace of Wani and Bhat, prompting authorities to continue with the restrictions in volatile areas of Srinagar and other districts in the Valley.

Train services were suspended for the second day on Monday, while mobile Internet and outgoing calls on prepaid connections have been blocked.

Senior separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, have been placed under house arrest, while JKLF chief Yasin Malik was arrested and taken to the Central Jail on Sunday.

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Munir Khan said the situation across the Valley was under control. “Barring two minor stone-pelting incidents in Tahab (Pulwama) and 90 Feet Road (Srinagar), the situation remained under control,” he said, adding that no injuries were reported during these incidents.

Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir) Baseer Ahmad Khan said all schools and colleges across the Valley would remain closed on Tuesday. He also said the restrictions in Srinagar and other sensitive areas will remain in force as a precautionary measure.

The latest round of unrest has dealt an even severe blow to the already flagging tourism industry in the state.

NIA quizzes separatist leaders
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) questioned three separatist leaders in New Delhi on Monday regarding the funding of terror and subversive activities in Jammu and Kashmir, reports DHNS.

Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate, Nayeem Khan and Javed Ahmed Baba alias Gazi of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat appeared at the NIA headquarters for questioning. They were asked to bring certain bank and property documents.

Earlier this month, they were questioned here for four consecutive days.