J&K: Curfew in Srinagar to prevent separatist march to Hazratbal shrine

SRINAGAR: Authorities imposed curfew and restrictions in Srinagar on Friday to prevent a separatist called protest march to Hazratbal Shrine. "Restrictions under section 144 CrPc (Criminal Procedure Code) will remain in force in areas falling under eight police stations in Srinagar city," a senior police official said. Curfew will remain in force in the districts of Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Kupwara and few other places in Kashmir Valley. Kashmir has been reeling under violence, curfew and separatists called protest shutdown for the last 28 days. At least 52 people, including 50 civilians and two policemen, have died and more than 3,500 injured in the present unrest triggered by the death of Hizbul commander, Burhan Wani, on July 8. Once again, after 1990 when armed insurgency started in Kashmir, militants carrying weapons have been appearing in public in south Kashmir districts. Separatists have extended their protest calendar till August 12. Due to the unrest, number of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra have drastically reduced. On Thursday, just over 100 pilgrims performed the yatra and had 'darshan' at the cave shrine.