Isolated clashes in Kashmir; curfew lifted from more areas

With improvement in overall law and order situation,the authorities announced lifting of curfew from more areas including Bandipora district in north Kashmir.

Yesterday,curfew was lifted from Anantnag,Pulwama,Kulgam,Shopian and Budgam districts,and Handwara town in Kupwara district but prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC were in force at some places.

Curfew was in force only in Srinagar city,Sopore town in Baramulla district,Kupwara district town and adjoining Kralopora town today,a police spokesman said.

However,curfew was relaxed in east,west and south zones of Srinagar city from 2 PM to 7 PM,while in north and Hazratbal zones it was relaxed from 5 PM.

Similarly,the restrictions were relaxed in curfew-bound areas of Ganderbal district including Kangan town from 11 AM to 1 PM and later extended up to 4 PM,he said.

The Sopore town of Baramulla district witnessed relaxation from 10 AM to 12 noon initially and was later extended to 6 PM,the spokesman said adding in Kupwara district town and adjoining Trehgam and Kralpora areas,the relaxation was from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.

However,most of the shops and business establishments remained closed despite lifting of curfew and relaxation in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley as hardline faction of Hurriyat conference,which is spearheading the agitation in the Valley,has called for a two-day general strike.