Curfew reimposed in some parts of Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: Normal life was again disrupted in Kashmir today as authorities reimposed curfew in parts of the Valley, including Srinagar city, ahead of a protest march called by hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to Kupwara district.

To maintain law and order ahead of the march, authorities imposed curfew in areas falling under jurisdiction of six police stations in Srinagar, Delina, Palhalan and Sopore towns of Baramulla district and Kupwara district town along with adjoining Trehgam, Kralpora, Chotipora, Kulangam and Handwara town early today.

In Srinagar, curfew has been imposed in areas falling under the jurisdiction of police stations Parimpora on Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway, Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Maharaj Gung and Safakadal - covering most of the interior city, a police spokesman said.

He said the law and order situation across the Valley was normal and under control. "There has been no report of any untoward incident from anywhere so far," the spokesman added. He said the preceding night also passed off peacefully.

While shops and business establishments in the main markets remained closed, private transport was seen plying on almost all the routes in the city and elsewhere.

Most of the educational institutions including private and government-run schools also remained open, official sources said.

Geelani, who is spearheading the ongoing agitation in the Valley, had asked people to observe a strike and march to Kupwara district.

Kashmir Valley has been in grip of violent protests since June 11 when a 17-year-old boy was killed after he was hit by a tear smoke shell during clashes at Rajouri Kadal in the interior city. So far, 105 persons have been killed in the unrest in the Valley.