Mobile, internet and cable services snapped in Kashmir

Mobile telephone, internet services and cable TV were today snapped in Kashmir. Authorities imposed curfew in Srinagar and all other major towns of Kashmir Valley Saturday following reports that Afzal Guru, convicted for his central role in the attack on the Indian parliament over 11 years ago, had been hanged in Tihar Jail in New Delhi.

Afzal Guru belongs to Tarzoo village on the outskirts of Sopore town, 52 km here.

Although no senior police officer confirmed that the curfew restrictions were being imposed in the wake of Afzal's hanging, police officers, however, confirmed that curfew restrictions had been imposed.

"Yes, we have taken preventive measures to maintain law and order", a senior police officer told IANS.

Afzal was arrested on Dec 12, 2001 following the terror attack on parliament that led to a near war between India and Pakistan.

Reports reaching Srinagar from district headquarters of Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Badgam, Kupwara, Ganderbal and the north Kashmir Sopore town said police and paramilitary forces were out in full riot gear there to impose curfew.

Reliable sources told IANS all local cable operators have been asked to stop their operations with immediate effect.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is said to be flying back to Srinagar from winter capital Jammu. Omar Abdullah and his party, the ruling National Conference (NC), have opposed Afzal Guru's hanging