Curfew remains in force in parts of Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Curfew remained in force in parts of the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir for the third day today as a precautionary measure in the wake of the killing of a youth in alleged security forces' firing on Wednesday.

"Curfew will continue in five police station areas of Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, M R Gunj and Safakadal in interior Srinagar city," a spokesman of the district administration said.

He said security forces have been deployed in strength in other areas to maintain law and order.

A youth, Bashir Ahmad Bhat, was killed on Wednesday when security forces allegedly opened fire to chase away stone-pelting protesters.

The spokesman said the administration will take a decision on relaxing curfew after assessing the situation in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, people in some other parts of the Kashmir Valley observed a shutdown to protest against the killing.

Though there was no call for strike by any separatist group, shops and business establishments in the Lal Chowk city centre and civil lines here as well as in other district headquarters were shut while educational institutions and government offices witnessed thin attendance, officials said.

Public transport was mostly off the roads, while private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying normally, the officials said.