Burhan Wani protest: Separatists extend shutdown in Valley till July 25 as death toll reaches 44

Jammu: With Kashmir witnessing unrest following protests over the last few days post killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani, the separatists on Wednesday extended shutdown in the valley up to July 25 even as the authorities have clamped curfew in certain regions.

Earlier today, Army chief General Dalbir Singh visited and reviewed the security situation in Kashmir and expressed his grief over the casualties during the protests while appealing for peace from all sections.

The death toll climbed to 44 today as several civilians have lost their lives and several people sustained injuries after clashing with security forces in the state.

On Monday, a 10-day curfew was imposed by the state government and 20 additional troops of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed by the centre to maintain law and order in the state.

All mobile phone services, excluding BSNL, trains and internet services continue to remain suspended.

According to reports, several newspapers were banned from publishing for three days; however Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Chief Minister Mehbooba mufti categorically denied the claim stating that no such decision was made.

According to latest info coming up, newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir will resume publication from tomorrow as the government lifted the ban on Tuesday and said that the decision taken at some 'local level' was a mistake.

The incidents of violence continue to crop up despite the Centre and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urging the people to maintain calm and cooperate with the state government to restore peace in the valley.

(With agency inputs)