J&K: Curfew remains in force in parts of Srinagar on Muharram

Curfew remained in force in parts of Srinagar on 12 October as a precautionary measure in view of the 10th day of Muharram, even as normal life remained affected in the Valley for the 96th day due to the ongoing unrest.

Curfew has been imposed in the five police station areas of downtown Srinagar, a police official said, identifying the areas as Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal and Maharaj Gunj.

The official added that curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in four police station areas of Soura, Lal Bazar, Zadibal and Nigeen. The traditional Muharram procession used to pass through these areas, but has been banned since eruption of militancy in 1990 as authorities maintain that the religious gathering has been used for propagating separatist politics.

Meanwhile, normal life remained affected for the 96th consecutive day in the rest of the Valley following killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on 8 July.

The unrest, which has claimed 84 lives including that of two cops and left thousands of others injured in clashes between protestors and security forces, is in its fourth month as shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions remained closed, while public transport continued to be off the roads.

The shops and other business establishments open during the periodic relaxation announced by the separatists on some days of the week.