Srinagar witnessed sporadic incidents of violence for the third day on Wednesday, leaving seven injured, one critically, while Jammu remained closed for the 20th day.
Toll in two-day violence mounts to 23, BJP protests spread nationwide
SRINAGAR: Srinagar witnessed sporadic incidents of violence for the third day on Wednesday, leaving seven injured, one critically, while Jammu remained closed for the 20th day. Three succumbed to their injuries in the valley, taking the toll in the two-day violence, which started with the ‘Muzaffarabad Chalo’ call on Monday, to 23.
Curfew was relaxed for 12 hours in Srinagar city from 8am. “It was later extended to 2pm, after that to 5 pm and then 8pm. We will assess the situation and accordingly decide whether to lift curfew or not,” said Asfandyar Khan, district magistrate Srinagar.
In five other districts of the valley, curfew was relaxed during the day. Nazir Ahmad, 58, started early morning to buy milk for his grandson but returned dejected four hours later: “We have not seen such times. Even milk has become scarce.” However, 234 trucks carrying supplies are on their way to Srinagar and have crossed Jawahar Talao.
As a fallout of the tense situation, for the first time the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus may not roll on Thursday.
Violence broke out in Bemina-Tengpora area after a mob set ablaze some huts of Srinagar Development Authority. Police and para-miliartary forces lobbed smoke shells and opened fire, injuring one youth.
People clashed with police at different places in the old city of Habba Kadal, Fathe Kadal and Kani Kadal, prompting police to use smoke shells and fire rubber bullets. Six were injured, one of them critically.
Kashtiwar district in Jammu continued to remain tense. The Army is out and shoot-at-sight orders have been issued.
The Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Simiti (SASS), spearheading the pro-Amarnath land agitation in Jammu, extended the bandh till August 20. SASS convenor Leela Karan Sharma said they will launch Jail Bharo Andolaan from August 18.
Protests in Kashmir found an echo in Muslim-majority Rajouri district, which saw a protest march on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Union minister for water resources and PCC president Prof Saifuddin Soz met governor NN Vohra and urged a high-level enquiry into the August 11 firing and demanded compensation to victims’ families.
h_ishfaq@dnaindia.net
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