Normal life remains disrupted in Kashmir

Normal life was disrupted in Kashmir for the 33rd straight day today as curfew in some parts and restrictions in the rest of the Valley continued amidst the separatist-led protest programme.
Curfew continued to remain in force in parts of the summer capital Srinagar and Anantnag town, a police official said here.
Curfew is in force in five police stations in downtown (interior) area of Srinagar city and Anantnag town in south Kashmir," the official said.
He said restrictions on assembly of four or more people were in force in rest of the Valley as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

The official said the situation across the valley has showed signs of improvement since Monday as army personnel were helping police and paramilitary forces at many places to keep troublemakers away from the roads.
However, schools, colleges, business establishments, petrol pumps and private offices remained closed while public transport remained off the roads.

The attendance in government offices and banks was also thin, the official said.
Mobile Internet services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley where the outgoing facility on prepaid connections is also barred.
The separatist camp has extended the shutdown call in Kashmir till August 12.

Kashmir has witnessed protests after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8.
(REOPENS DEL 11)
Meanwhile, a police spokesman said barring a few incidents of stonepelting, the overall situation in the Valley was normal and under control.
Shabir Ahmad Lone was injured when security forces used "force" to disperse a stonepelting mob which tried to block the Sogam-Kupwara road at Lassipora, near Sogam in Kupwara district of north Kashmir, he said.
The injured was shifted to the district hospital and his condition was stated to be stable, he added.
The spokesman said about 500 people assembled near Qaimoh village in Kulgam district of south Kashmir and started hurling stones at security personnel.

However, there was no report of any casualty in the ensuing clashes between security forces and the mob, he added.
In Srinagar, a mob threw stones at security personnel near Tatoo ground and Noor Bagh but was chased away.
"About 300 people assembled near Sangrama, near Sopore in Baramulla district, and started pelting stones at a police party. They were dispersed by the use of mild force," said the spokesman.