Srinagar, July 10: Relaxation in curfew continued across the Valley on Saturday but it was re-imposed in Maisuma, Batmaloo, Sopur, Kakpora, Pulwama and Islamabad after protests and clashes. The government had relaxed curfew in the Valley on Friday evening in view of Shab-e-Me’raj, an important day of prayers for the Muslims.
Protests erupted in the city centre of Maisuma where a youth was killed and another injured on Tuesday—as people poured on to streets and staged pro-freedom demonstrations. Protesters clashed with police and CRPF and pelted stones on them which prompted authorities to re-impose curfew in the area.
Authorities also imposed curfew in Batmaloo to stave off protests in the area. Batmaloo and Tengpora areas have been tense and have witnessed massive protests after the killing of three civilians in police and CRPF action on Tuesday.
Massive and violent clashes between police and protesters erupted in Hazratbal after a procession of hundreds of people reached the area.
Police and CRPF lobbed dozens of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters and barred them from going near the shrine, where special prayers were on to observe Shab-e-Me’raj.
Witnesses said that people ran helter-skelter for cover. At least 15 persons sustained injuries in the police action.
Even as the government had made announcements via state-run Doordarshan News that curfew was relaxed till Saturday evening, shops and businesses remained closed for the day, especially in the city centre, Lal Chowk. The public transport was off roads on most routes.
Authorities re-imposed curfew in Sopur town as people staged pro-freedom protests during the relaxation.
Police swung into action to disperse the protesters and subsequently made announcements that curfew was in force and people should stay indoors. Curfew was also re-imposed in Kakpora, Pulwama, after a media report that one person had died in police firing, which was denied by authorities.
People started coming out on the streets despite administration announcing that the news was not correct. Before things could go out of hands, the authorities decided to impose curfew.
Kakapora area of Pulwama district had witnessed pitched battles between people and troops and police last evening which resulted in injuries to 21 persons.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST