No separatist shutdown, but selective curfew in Srinagar

SRINAGAR - Although separatists did not impose a shutdown in Srinagar for the second consecutive day, the authorities imposed curfew in parts of the city fearing protests after Friday prayers.

Curfew has been imposed in five police station areas of old city Srinagar and restrictions shall remain in force in the uptown Batmaloo area as a precautionary measure Friday, a senior police officer said here.

Hardline separatist Hurriyat group headed by Syed Ali Geelani has appealed to people to observe a normal day.

Although no protests have been called by separatists, authorities decided to impose curfew in areas that are vulnerable to stone pelting and other violent incidents by youths, especially after Friday prayers.

A total of 110 people have lost their lives in the continuing unrest in the Valley since June 11.

Shops, other businesses, public transport, educational institutions, banks and post offices functioned normally in Srinagar city areas where no curfew has been imposed.

Police said curfew has also been imposed today in north Kashmir Kupwara and Handwara towns.

A senior police officer said “genuine civilian movement” of officegoers, schoolchildren and medical emergencies were being facilitated in areas under curfew here.

The intention is purely to protect civilian life and property from the designs of miscreants and instructions have been given to security men on the ground to facilitate all genuine civilian movement in areas under curfew, the officer said.