40 injured in Kashmir clashes despite curfew in several places

Clashes were reported from several places in Baramulla, Bandipora, Shopian and Ganderbal districts of the valley while peaceful protests were held at many others places, a police official said.  He said at least 40 people including some security force personnel were hurt in the clashes that began soon after Friday prayers at most of the affected places. The clashes took place even as curfew was again imposed in many parts of unrest hit valley on Friday.

Curfew was imposed in 14 police station areas of Srinagar and towns of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Pampore, Awantipora, Tral, Baramulla, Pattan and Palhallan as a precautionary measure in view of apprehensions of violent protests after Friday prayers, the official said. There were also 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 against the killing of civilians in security forces’ action over the past two months. 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 on Thursday in view of the 12-hour relaxation in the strike from 6 pm announced by separatists.