Curfew in Bandipora enters second day

SRINAGAR: Curfew remained in force in parts of Bandipora district for second day today following death of a youth in alleged police firing Friday even as normal life was affected in other parts of Kashmir valley due to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference.

"Curfew remains in force in some parts of Bandipora for the second day today to maintain law and order," a police spokesman said.

He said restrictions on the movement of people will also continue in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of police stations Safakadal, Khanyar, Nowhatta, M R Gunj and Rainawari in Srinagar city.

The prohibitory orders were imposed yesterday after death of an 18-year-old youth in alleged police firing at Sumbal after the Friday prayers.

The protesters, who were demanding restoration of power and water supply, allegedly started pelting stones on a police camp and tried to set ablaze a police vehicle, prompting police to open fire which allegedly led to death of Farhat Ahmad Dar.

Meanwhile, normal life elsewhere in the valley was also affected due to the strike called by both factions of Hurriyat Conference to protest the killing.

Shops and business establishments in most places remained closed, while the weekly flea market around the city centre here was open.

Though public transport was off the roads, private cars, auto-rickshaws and cabs were seen plying normally.

Hardline Hurriyat Conference, led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, had called for the strike.

Hurriyat spokesman, in a statement yesterday, appealed the people to observe a complete shutdown and stage peaceful protests.

Moderate Hurriyat faction led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq also called for a complete strike.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik said his group would stage a sit-in and peaceful protest at Lal Chowk against the killing on Monday.