Protesters clash with security forces in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Protesters demanding the release of separatist leaders clashed with security forces in several areas of downtown Srinagar this morning during a brief relaxation of curfew. (Watch)

Within minutes of announcement of relaxation from 9 AM in Srinagar, groups of people raising "pro-freedom" slogans and demanding release of separatist leaders took to streets in Rajouri Kadal, Nowhatta, Malaratta, Saraf Kadal, Nawab Bazar, Zaldager, Nallah Mar, Habba Kadal and Tankipora, official sources said.

Police used batons to disperse protesters who pelted stones on them and fought pitched battles on the streets.

However, no casualty was reported, the sources said. Fearing trouble, the authorities cut short the relaxation period in the areas which witnessed the protests.

In other areas of the city curfew was relaxed for three hours from 9 AM, the sources said.

Curfew was clamped in all 10 districts of Kashmir valley on August 24 to thwart a rally by separatists.

Top leaders of both factions of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Shabir Ahmed Shah, JKLF chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik and Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi were also arrested.

Curfew was also relaxed in Bandipora and Pulwama districts today from 8 AM while in Baramulla, Budgam and Kupwara districts from 10 AM. However, no relaxation was given in rest of the four districts of Shopian, Kulgam, Ganderbal and Anantnag, the sources said.

The coordination committee of separatists has, meanwhile, appealed to people to protest peacefully.

"We appeal to the people not to provoke police and troopers and protest peacefully," spokesperson of the committee said in a statement.