Curfew-like restrictions relaxed in Handwara

SRINAGAR: Curfew-like restrictions were relaxed in violence-hit Handwara town for four hours today but remained in force in Kupwara and Trehgam towns of north Kashmir, police said.

"Restrictions have been relaxed for four hours in Handwara town from 8 to 12 Noon. The relaxation period can be extended if the situation remains peaceful," a police official said.

He said so far the situation in violence-hit town was peaceful.

However, there was no relaxation in the curbs on the movement of the people in Kupwara and Trehgam towns in view of apprehension of violence.

The restrictions were eased yesterday for three hours but had to be clamped again following violent protests.

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in Handwara town and some adjoining areas following violent protests over the alleged molestation of a girl by an army soldier last Tuesday.

Three persons including a woman were killed in firing by security forces on protestors on Tuesday while two more persons were killed in separate security forces's action against protestors on Wednesday at Drugmulla and on Friday at Nathnusa.