Curfew lifted in Kashmir

Normal life remained affected for 64th consecutive day in the unrest-hit Valley where 73 persons have been killed and several thousand others injured in clashes since Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani was gunned down by security forces on July 8.

"Curfew has been lifted from entire Kashmir," a police official said.

He, however, said curfew-like restrictions were imposed in some areas of Srinagar city like Nowhatta, M R Gunj and Khanyar.

The official said restrictions on assembly of people continued to remain in force throughout the Valley.

Authorities had imposed curfew in many parts of the Valley including in 12 police station areas of the city in view of the apprehensions of law and order problems after Friday congregational prayers.

A statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir said the situation remained by and large under control across the Valley.

31 incidents of stone pelting were reported from Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla, Sopore, Bandipora and Handwara.

At these places, miscreants assembled on the roads after Friday prayers and pelted stones on police and security personnel, it said.

Meanwhile, normal life remained crippled due to restrictions and the shutdown call by separatist groups.

While shops, business establishments and petrol pumps continued to remain shut during the day, they open in the evening on some days of the week in view of the 12-hour relaxation in the strike from 6 PM announced by separatists.

The separatists have extended the shutdown programme till September 16.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the Valley continued to remain closed.

Some of the areas on the outskirts and civil lines of Srinagar witnessed increased movement of private vehicles and auto-rickshaws this morning, while some shops selling essentials were also open.