Uneasy calm prevails in Valley

A day after a youth was killed when security forces fired at protesters in Baramulla, an uneasy calm prevailed in Kashmir on Saturday, even as life remained crippled for the 78th day. A police official said that curfew was imposed in Handwara town of north Kashmir and it also remained in force in four police station areas of Old City Srinagar. He said no major incident of violence was reported from anywhere in the Valley.

The official said an increased movement of people and vehicular traffic was observed across the Valley during the day. “In the past 24 hours, the police have arrested 39 people wanted in the offences of creating a disruption in traffic movement by stone-pelting and placing obstructions on the roads and lanes, harassing shopkeepers and damaging public or private property,” he added.

In south Kashmir, which has remained the epicentre of the ongoing unrest, no major incident of violence was reported till the evening. However, according to reports, six people sustained pellet injuries after clashes erupted between forces and protesters in Shangus area of Anantnag district.

In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, reports said mobile phone services were suspended by the authorities on Friday night. “All private mobile phone services have been barred without any reason or explanation,” a resident said.