Curfew remains in force in parts of Bandipora in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Curfew remained in force in parts of Bandipora district of north Kashmir for the third day today following death of a youth in alleged police firing on Friday, even as life elsewhere in the Valley returned to normal after two days of strike and restrictions.

"Curfew remains in force in some parts of Bandipora even today," a police spokesman said.

He said restrictions from other parts of the Valley including Srinagar have been lifted.

Authorities had to impose prohibitory orders on Saturday after the death of an 18-year-old youth in alleged police firing at Sumbal after the Friday prayers.

The protesters 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, police sources said.

Both factions of Hurriyat Conference had called for a strike yesterday to protest the death.

Meanwhile, life returned to normal in other parts of the Valley today.

Shops, business establishments, offices and banks functioned normally, official sources said, adding public transport also plied.

Educational institutions are closed on account of extended winter vacations in the wake of recent heavy snowfall and inclement weather conditions.