A teenager was killed and over 100 persons were injured in firing by security forces as fresh violence erupted across the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday, prompting the authorities to re-impose a curfew that was lifted two days ago for the first time in almost two months after improvement in the security situation.
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As the state government was gearing up to receive an all- party delegation on Sunday, separatists today extended their strike call till September 8 and directed the people to occupy roads connecting the Srinagarairport with the city.
The day started with protests in Rafiabad, 45 km from here, during which 15-year-old Danish Manzoor was killed when army personnel were trying to chase away a stone throwing mob.
It will be for the first time since July 09, 2016 that police decide not to impose curfew across Kashmir given the mass uprising triggered by the killing of popular militant commander Burhan Wani on July 08, 2016. There were no casualties in the last three days and protests had also subdued during this period. “Police have initiated investigation in the matter”, the Div Com said.
Danish Manzoor and six other persons sustained injuries when security forces allegedly opened fire at stone-pelting protesters in Lodora in Sopore area, a police official said.
“The Army fired some rounds in air to disperse the mob”.
Divisional Commissioner Khan said the “curfew was lifted from the entire Kashmir Valley” following an “overall improvement” in the security situation.
The restrictions were lifted from the remaining areas on Wednesday morning and clashes broke out in Srinagar’s Nowhatta area immediately after.
Seventy-one people have died and thousands wounded in clashes between civilians and security forces in the eight-week-long unrest in the Valley. At least 145 people were reported injured.
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A police officer said government forces tried to stop protesters from marching on the main village street and retaliated by firing bullets and shotgun pellets when residents hurled rocks at them. Almost 100 protestors, including 60 in south Kashmir, were said to have been injured in the clashes.
