'Quit Kashmir' marchers defy curfew call in Valley

Police and security forces had to open fire at two places to disperse protesters in which four persons were injured. At some other places cops fired in air, burst smoke shells and resorted to cane charge to disperse the violent protesters. In the subsequent clashes 35 persons were injured.

The hard line faction of Hurriyat Conference had asked the people to take out marches in their respective areas as part of what it claims “Quit Kashmir programme.”  The government announced imposition of curfew in Srinagar and other major towns of Kashmir. Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces was made. They blocked all the important roads and bridges. Barbed wire was used to seal the curfew-bound areas.

People defied curfew restrictions at several places and held demonstrations. Four persons were injured in police firing at Tarigami-Kulgam in south Kashmir and HMT area in Srinagar. The injured were moved to hospital, where the condition of two of them is said to be critical. “Police had to open fire as the protesters turned violent and efforts by the cops to disperse them by bursting smoke shells proved ineffective,” said a police spokesman.

However, Abdul Majid of Tarigami said the protests were peaceful and the police firing was unprovoked. Reports of clashes were also received from Chanapora, Kokernag, Veerinag, Malaratta, Rainwari and Safakadal besides some other areas.