Curfew relaxed in parts of Srinagar, other towns

Cable operators resume service, but no news channels yet

 Authorities on Wednesday relaxed curfew restrictions in some areas of Srinagar and other towns of the Kashmir Valley to enable residents to buy essential commodities.

“Curfew restrictions were relaxed in entire Badgam district from 10 am to 12 pm today. It has also been relaxed in Kakapora, Lasipora and Rajpora areas of Pulwama
district from 9 am onwards,” a police officer said on Wednesday.

“In Awantipora, Kralpora, Lalpora and Sogam it has been relaxed from 10 am onwards,” he said.

“In Srinagar city, restrictions have been relaxed from areas falling under police stations of Rajbagh, Lal Bazaar, Nigeen, Zakoora, Panthachowk, Bemina, Nowgam and Parimpora from 9 am onwards,” the officer added.

The relaxation period could be extended in these areas depending on the law and order situation.

In old city areas of Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore towns, no relaxation has been given in the curfew that was imposed there on last Saturday.

Mediapersons who went to assess the situation in old city areas said tension is palpable in these areas.

Some local newspapers published their print editions on Wednesday after remaining off the stands for two days.

Internet services on mobile phones and dongle appliances have still not been restored in the valley.

Police advisory

Residents of old city in Srinagar and other areas complained that cable television operators who have resumed their services were not running any news channels.
Jammu and Kashmir police have issued an advisory to paramilitary forces not to carry firearms during law and order duties in the Valley to prevent any fatalities.

Highly placed sources said the state police issued the advisory to paramilitary
forces not to carry firearms in wake of the firing incident at Watergam in Baramulla district.

“The advisory was issued to ensure that there is no loss of life while dealing with law and order situations,” the sources said.

Case registered

One youth was killed and four other were injured in the firing incident at Watergam on Sunday.

A case has been registered against 92 battalion CRPF in connection with the firing incident in Dangiwacha police station.

CRPF officers, including the public relations officer Sudhir Kumar, were not available for comment.

The CRPF was blamed for most of the 120 deaths during the five-month summer unrest in Valley.