Curfew re-imposed in Held Kashmir after fresh clashes

Author: AFP

SRINAGAR: Authorities re-imposed a curfew in parts of India-held Kashmir (IHK) following fresh clashes on Monday between protesters and Indian security forces, hours after the government announced an end to a 52-day lockdown.

Restrictions had been lifted early Monday in most parts of Kashmir Valley, including the main city of Srinagar, but thousands of protesters across the region took to the streets, forcing authorities to re-impose a curfew in several areas.

At least 12 people were injured in the fresh wave of violence, police and hospital officials said.

Hundreds of residents rallied in parts of Srinagar and in the northern town of Bandipora after the curfew was lifted, throwing stones at security forces who fired live rounds into the air and used teargas to disperse them, witnesses and an AFP photographer said.

Clashes were also reported in central Budgam district and southern Anantnag district, officials said.

Schools and businesses remained closed and many streets in Srinagar were largely deserted, as troops in riot gear patrolled on foot.

Kashmiri separatist groups have extended their shutdown call till the end of the month to press for their demands, which include an end to Indian rule in the Himalayan region.

The current violence, the worst to hit the region since 2010, was triggered by the July 8 killing of popular rebel leader Burhan Wani by Indian soldiers.