Kashmir unrest: Fresh clashes break out in Anantnag, Shopian; curfew clamped in many parts of Valley

Srinagar: Fresh clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Anantnag and Shopian districts of south Kashmir on Saturday even as curfew continued to be clamped in many parts of the Valley paralysing normal life in the Valley for the 29 consecutive day.

At least 21 persons were injured in violence in Chee in Anantnag when protesters staged a rally, a police official said, adding the security forces used various crowd control measures to disperse the protesters.

Protesters pelted stones at a police post at Herpora in Shopian, however there were no reports of anyone getting hurt in the incident so far, one of the police officials said.

Curbs on movement of people had to be extended today in view of fresh violence in some parts of the Valley on Friday that left three persons dead and injured 150 others, the official said.

"Curfew remains in force in six police station areas of Srinagar — Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maharajgunj and Batamaloo — as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order," he added further.

He said curfew was also in force in four towns of Budgam district — Chadoora, Khansahib, Magam and Budgam , Anantnag town and Khanpora area of Baramulla district.

"Restrictions on assembly of four or more people continue to remain in effect in rest of the Valley," the official said.

54 people have died and more than 6,000 injured in clashes between protesters and security forces following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.

Normal life remained disrupted due to the curbs imposed by the authorities and the separatist sponsored strike.

Schools, colleges, business establishments, petrol pumps banks and private offices remained closed while public transport remained off roads.

The attendance in government offices was also thin, the official said.

Mobile internet services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley where the outgoing facility on prepaid connections is barred.

Meanwhile, Separatists have extended their strike call in the Valley till 12 August. Strict curfew and restrictions were placed in Kupwara, Anantnag, Baramulla, Ganderbal and other districts where night clashes and protests were reported.