Restrictions extended in Valley, situation tense
SRINAGAR: Restrictions and curfew were extended to several parts of Kashmir on Tuesday, days after Hizbul Mujahideen militant Sabzar Bhat was killed in an encounter with security forces on Saturday. A call by separatists to march to Tral, Bhat’s hometown, has added to the unease in the Valley.
Curfew was imposed in areas under seven police stations, mostly those known as ‘downtown’, in Srinagar since Monday. The roads are completely deserted with only a few private vehicles plying in some parts.
Offish Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and cops keep an eye out for anyone trying to break the curfew or if any group of masked youngsters is preparing to pelt stones.
Soon after Bhat’s killing, there was a spontaneous shutdown and stone-peltings across the Valley. Scores were injured and at least 13 people were hit in their eyes by pellets and brought to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital.
Anticipating trouble, the administration imposed curfew and restrictions since Sunday and snapped mobile internet services and mobile services on prepaid numbers.
For many, there is a lingering fear that the situation might become as worse as it was last year – a five-month unrest that claimed over 90 lives.
CRPF jawans on the streets keep their fingers crossed about what turn the situation may take in the coming days. “It depends on the locals what they want to do. Whether they want to continue with the shutdown or continue normally,” said a soldier from Punjab, who has been posted in the Valley for the last five years.
“And if the situation worsens like last year, then the CRPF men will be facing stones. And if we retaliate with pellets or bullets, then there will be harsh criticism,” he added.
Another soldier from Haryana, who is posted a few kilometres away, says, “I hope the situation does not become like last year.”
JAMMU-SRINAGAR HIGHWAY CLOSED
Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was closed for traffic on Tuesday in view of the separatists’ call.
Officials said this was in view of the prevailing situation in Kashmir. Mughal Road has also been closed for traffic from Bafliaz towards Srinagar.