Kashmiris protest in capital against violence in valley

Kashmiri families living in the capital, including businessmen, professionals and students today staged a silent sit-in here against the recent violence across the valley and appealed for a dialogue at the earliest to settle the issue.

The protesters also urged that steps should be taken for early repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and other 'black' laws.

"Life is completely paralysed in Kashmir. We need the solution of the problem at the grassroot level," said Saleem Altaf, a doctor.

The general feeling among the protesters was that a dialogue process should start where the commoners' demands are heard by both the governments at the Centre and the state.

After nearly a week, curfew was today lifted in the entire Kashmir valley in view of the situation remaining generally peaceful but prohibitory orders have been imposed in Baramulla, Anantnag and Pulwama districts besides some parts of Srinagar.