Curfew reimposed in many areas ahead of Friday congregations

He said 14 police station areas of Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- and towns of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Pampore, Awantipora, Tral, Baramulla, Pattan and Palhallan have been placed under curfew.

There are restrictions on the movement and assembly of people in rest of the Valley, he said.

Normal life remained crippled due to curfew and the shutdown call by separatists groups.While shops, business establishments and petrol pumps continued to remain shut during the day, markets in Srinagar and other places came to life late in the evening yesterday in view of the 12-hour relaxation in the strike from 6 PM announced by separatists.

The separatists have extended the shutdown programme till September 16.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the Valley continued to remain closed.

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 roads and streets, which had witnessed increased movement of private vehicles in recent days, wore a deserted look and public transport continued to be off the roads.