For second consecutive day, no curfew in Kashmir

Kashmir continued to remain curfew-free for the second consecutive day on Monday after the curbs on the movement of people were lifted from the entire Valley on Sunday following improvement in the situation.

However, restrictions on the assembly of people were in force in most areas.

There is no curfew anywhere in Kashmir as well, but restrictions on the assembly of people were in place in many parts of the Valley as a precautionary measure, a police official said in Srinagar.

He said the decision to not clamp curfew was taken in view of the improving situation.

However, normal life continued to remain affected in Kashmir, where the markets came to life on Sunday afternoon in the wake of relaxation, announced by separatists.

Shops, petrol pumps and other business establishments remained closed on Monday due to the separatist call for shutdown, while public transport remained off the roads for the 80th straight day.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions also remained closed across the Valley.

The separatist groups are spearheading the ongoing unrest in Kashmir against the civilian killings in security forces action during violent clashes that broke out in the Valley a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

They have been announcing weekly protest programmes with periodic relaxation on some days. However, there is no relaxation on Monday.

As many as 82 persons, including two cops, have been killed and thousands of others injured in the ongoing unrest.

IMAGE: A view of market of Srinagar abuzz with activities as shops and business establishments opened on Sunday. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI