India reimposes curfew in Kashmir valley

SRINAGAR, INDIA // Authorities reimposed a curfew in parts of India- administered Kashmir yesterday after clashes between protesters and Indian security forces hours after the government announced the end to a 52-day lockdown.

Restrictions had been lifted yesterday in most parts of Kashmir valley, including the main city of Srinagar, but thousands of protesters across the disputed region took to the streets, forcing authorities to reimpose a curfew in several areas.

At least 12 people were injured in the wave of violence, police and hospital officials said, where 68 civilians and two police officers have been killed and thousands injured since unrest erupted last month.

Hundreds of residents rallied in Srinagar and in the northern town of Bandipora after the curfew was lifted, throwing stones at security forces who fired rounds into the air and tear gas to disperse them, witnesses said.

Clashes were also reported in central Budgam district and southern Anantnag district.

Kashmiri separatists have extended their shutdown call until the end of the month to press for their demands, which include an end to Indian rule in the Himalayan region.

The current violence was triggered by the July 8 killing of rebel leader Burhan Wani in a gun battle with soldiers.

Rebel groups, including Wani’s Hizbul Mujahideen, have for decades fought Indian soldiers in the territory, demanding independence for the region or its merger with Pakistan.