A Day After Friday Congregations, Curfew Lifted in Kashmir

The valley of Kashmir has witnessed violent protests since the killing of freedom fighter Burhan Wani two months ago, and the extra presence of the Army is meant to "send a signal" to protesters through "area domination" and "enhanced patrolling".

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag took stock of the security situation during his day long visit to Kashmir on Friday and was briefed about the Army's plans to deal with anticipated escalation in "volatile situation", sources said on Saturday.

Gen.Singh also visited foward locations along the Line of Control in Kupwara district to review the preparedness of the anti-infiltration grid, they said.

The Armed Forces announced the deployment of soldiers in Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts, located in the Kashmir Valley, the epicenter of riots.

He said, Army does not act in internal matters unless requested by the local administration.

The street agitation, security restrictions, and separatist-called shutdown have disrupted normal life in the valley for 62 days now.

The attendance in government offices and banks, which had improved significantly over the past four days, dipped today owing to curfew and apprehension of violence. The Chief reviewed the security situation and collaborative measures of Security Forces towards ensuring peace and calm in the region.

The protestors started pelting stones at the security forces who retaliated by firing tear smoke shells and pellet guns, he said.

Curfew was re-imposed on Friday in many parts of Kashmir for maintaining law and order.

Curfew-like restrictions were in place in Nowhatta, M R Gunj and Khanyar police station areas of Srinagar, a police official said adding that there was no curfew anywhere in the Valley. Geelani later issued a almost 2,000-word press statement to the media in which he thanked Pakistan and China for their support to Kashmiris "in their fight for the right to self-determination".

Although the Eid Al Zuha festival falls on Tuesday, there was no traditional hustle and bustle in the Valley.