Curfew on in Kashmir to thwart march

Announcements in this regard were made by the police   during the early hours of Friday. People were directed not to venture out of their homes. Subsequently, thousands of police and paramilitary personnel blocked important roads and bridges.

The hard line faction of Hurriyat Conference, led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, had asked the people to march towards the Eidgah graveyard, where thousands of people killed during the militancy are buried.

However, groups of youth defied restrictions at several places in Srinagar and north and south Kashmir and held demonstrations. Police and paramilitary  forces had to burst smoke shells and resort to cane charge to disperse the protesters.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his appeal to the people to maintain peace in Kashmir. He said it is unfortunate that certain elements are hell-bent on disturbing peace and are causing discomfort to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “My government and I will fight these forces politically and administratively and shall not let their nefarious designs succeed,” he said.

He said his government would work for the solution of Kashmir issue and facilitate a dialogue between India and Pakistan.