JOIN US"Curfew has been imposed in Sopore town and old town Baramulla while restrictions are in place in old city areas of Srinagar as a precautionary measure," a senior police officer said. "The restrictions are also being strictly enforced in Batmaloo and Shaheedgunj areas of Srinagar city. There are no restrictions in south Kashmir areas today (Wednesday)," the police officer said.
The hardline faction of the separatist Hurriyat group headed by Syed Ali Geelani called for sit-ins and protests across the Kashmir Valley demanding the release of dozens of arrested separatist leaders, including Geelani. The protests are part of the separatists' 'Quit Kashmir' programme. Educational institutions, shops, post offices, banks, public transport and other business establishments were closed in areas under restrictions and curfew.
Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers in full body gear have been deployed in the areas under curfew and official restrictions to disallow any pedestrian and traffic movement there.
The valley has been tense for more than a month. Fourteen people have been killed in security force firing here since June 11 while two were drowned allegedly by the security forces during clashes between stone pelting protesters and the security forces. The state government has decided to hold an independent enquiry into the circumstances those led to the unfortunate deaths of the civilians in the valley.