Curfew continues in parts of Kashmir Valley

Barring parts of Sopore town, curfew remained in force in all major towns of Kashmir Valley for the 13th day on Friday.

Curfew was relaxed for three hours in parts of north Kashmir's Sopore town, 55 km from Srinagar, on Friday morning, a police spokesman said.

The spokesman said there were no reports of any untoward incident from any part of the Valley so far.

Curfew has been imposed even as hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani had modified his protest schedule to exempt Friday from the agitation.

Curfew was relaxed in a phased manner across the Valley on Thursday to provide relief to the residents. The situation yesterday remained by and large peaceful, barring a stone-pelting incident on security forces at Pulwama, where curfew was re-imposed immediately.

However, relaxation in curfew might be announced late in the evening on Friday in view of the Friday prayers, which have often been followed by violent protests.

Besides Srinagar city, the other places where curfew is in force include Warpora town, Mirgund, IG road, Nadir Gund, Budgam town, Choon, Humhama, Wattdara, Gogoo, Ompora, Narkara, Shiekhpora, Galwanpora, Chadoora, Panzan, Nagam, Machawa, Kralpora, Wathora, Dawlatpora, Hassipora, Alamdar Colony, Charar-i-Shareif in central Kashmir's Budgam district.

Kangan and Ganderbal towns in the north east of Srinagar, Anantang, Bijbehara, Kulgam town Qoimoh, Pulwama town, Kakapora, Shopian town, Awantipora, and Pampore in South Kashmir and Baramulla town, Delina, Pattan, Singhpora, Kunzar, Palhalan, Tangmarg, Wattergam, Kralpora, Trehgam, Kupwara town, Handwara town, Kulangam, Chotipora, Bandipora town, and Sumbal in north Kashmir also remained under curfew.

Curfew was imposed in Srinagar city on September 12 and was extended to the entire Kashmir Valley next day following widespread violence.

Kashmir Valley has been in grip of violent protests since June 11 when a 17-year-old boy was killed after he was hit by a tear smoke shell during clashes at Rajouri Kadal in interior city.