Srinagar, July 28: Government imposed strict restrictions in several parts of the Valley including old city here on Wednesday to thwart the sit-in demonstrations called by Hurriyat Conference (G). Elsewhere, valley remained shut amidst protests at many places including civil lines of the city.
Anticipating sit-in demonstrations on the call of Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani as part of “Quit Jammu and Kashmir Campaign,” strict restrictions were imposed in old city areas falling under the jurisdiction of police stations Nowhatta, Khanyar, Maharajgunj, Safa Kadal and Rainawari. The forces didn’t allow any civilian movement in downtown localities, however the residents of Saida Kadal staged protests against the thrashing of three civilians by policemen.
In uptown areas, restrictions were also imposed in Maisuma and Bemina by deploying large continent of police and CRPF troopers.
Youth staged pro-freedom demonstrations in civil lines areas of Rambagh and Barzulla this morning. Police and paramilitary CRPF troopers fired teargas canisters to disperse the protesting youth, however they offered stiff resistance and pelted stones in retaliation.
Raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, scores of youth took to streets in Natipora and burnt tyres on the roads. The locals alleged that CRPF troopers went berserk and damaged three motorbikes in Solina area of civil lines after stone-pelting by youth.
Complete shutdown was observed in north Kashmir’s Kupwara, Bandipora and Varmul districts as shops and other business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads.
In Bandipora, people staged sit-ins at Naidkhai and Hajin areas of Sonawari. Amid complete shutdown in south Kashmir, restrictions were imposed in the old town Islamabad to stop people from staging sit-ins. Fierce clashes erupted in Kadipora, Mattan Chowk, Dangerpora and Iqbal Market of the town late evening.
Police and CRPF troopers fired numerous teargas canisters to quell the protests which were continuing when this report was filed. The CRPF troopers also broke window panes of several vehicles during the clashes, locals said.
Complete shutdown was also observed in towns of Pulwama, Shopian, Tral, Pampore, Awantipora and Kakapora. Authorities deployed police and paramilitary CRPF troopers in several areas of the twin districts. The youth also staged dharna at Bonagam Shopain.
The residents of Khudwani Kulgam alleged that police detained two youth and used force on protesters, seeking their release, leaving two civilians wounded. The youth were released late in the night.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST