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Curfew continues as Valley remains tense

August 21, 2010 12:50 IST

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir imposed curfew in most parts of the Valley on Saturday, following which, all the shops closed down and streets were left deserted.

Curfew was imposed in under the jurisdiction of the police stations of Batmaloo, Bemina, Qamarwari, Kralkhud, Nowhatta, Khanyar, MR Gunj, Safakadal, Rainawari, Maisuma, Shaheedgunj, Abi-Guzar and Kothibagh.

State authorities fear that people would come out of their homes and participate in protests called by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the chief of the hardline faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

The curfew was imposed on Saturday morning and would be in place till further orders.

As per the latest reports, security forces were seen patrolling the streets in and around Srinagar city.

The Kashmir Valley has experienced a surge of violence that has led authorities to impose frequent curfew restrictions in several parts of the state. Curfew was initially imposed on June 30 in parts of northern and southern Kashmir to stop demonstrations over a couple of protesters who died in police firing.

It was lifted some days later, but was again imposed as fresh violence erupted.

Source: ANI