Curfew lifted from almost entire Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: Barring Sopore town, curfew was today lifted from the entire Kashmir Valley but normal life was disrupted due to a strike called by hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference.

"Curfew has been lifted from entire Kashmir Valley this morning except some places in Sopore town," a police spokesman said here.

He said curfew remained in force in Shalipora, Ashpeer, Iqbal Colony, Chankhan and Neharpora areas of the apple town, 52 kms from here.

Curfew was imposed late on Monday night to thwart a planned march by separatists to the Hyderpora residence of hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani yesterday.

Normal life was today hit due to a strike called by the hardline faction of Hurriyat as part of its protest calendar.

Shops, banks, private offices and business establishments were closed while public transport was off the roads, official sources said.

However, private vehicles were seen plying on the roads in large numbers and educational institutions were open in view of the annual examinations.

Security force personnel have been deployed at sensitive spots in the city following reports that some elements were planning to disrupt peace in these areas, the sources said.