Youth killed in fresh clashes in Kashmir, toll climbs to 73

SRINAGAR: The cycle of violence continued in Kashmir with a youth getting killed today in a clash between stone pelters and security forces in Anantnag even as curfew was lifted from entire Srinagar district but life remained disrupted for 60th day due to separatist-sponsored strike.

Naseer Ahmad Mir was killed in the action by security forces who were chasing away a large number of protestors in Seer Hamdan area of Anantnag in south Kashmir.

Several others, including a woman, sustained injuries in the action by security forces, a police official said.

He said the injured woman has been referred to a hospital here in a critical condition.

Last night, a youth Musaib Nagoo, injured during similar clashes in Sopore on Sunday, succumbed at a hospital here.

With these deaths, the toll in ongoing unrest has gone up to 73.

Earlier, authorities lifted curfew from seven police station areas of Srinagar after two days, making the entire district curfew-free.

A police spokesman said the curfew was lifted following improvement in the situation.

However, normal activities remained suspended due to a separatist-sponsored strike.

Shops, business establishments and petrol pumps remained shut during the day time. They only open in the evening when the separatists have announced relaxation in the strike for some days of the week.

Public transport continued to be off the roads and schools, colleges and other educational institutions also continued to remain closed.

However, the attendance in government offices and banks has showed signs of improvement since the past few days, officials said.

The separatists, who are spearheading the ongoing unrest, have extended the shutdown programme till September 8.

The police spokesman, however, said restrictions on the assembly of people would remain in forces across the Valley to maintain law and order.