PIX: Peace march eases tension in curfew-bound Srinagar

Even as the indefinite curfew continued in parts of Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, a peace march by prominent members of both the Shia-Sunni communities helped ease the situation.

Tension has been running high following the clashes between Shias and Sunnis in parts of the old city which prompted the administration to impose a round-the-clock curfew and deploy security forces in strength to maintain law and order.

The residents of the old city areas of Zadibal, Nowhatta and adjoining areas have been facing hardships on various fronts because of the curfew.

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A coordination committee of the two communities has been constituted which met at the residence of the moderate All Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Moulvi Umar Farooq, Tuesday afternoon.

A prominent Shia separatist leader, Masroor Abbas, later led a peace march which was joined by members of the two communities which passed through the curfew-bound areas.

The leaders appealed the members of the two communities 'to observe restraint and uphold the tradition of mutual brotherhood and harmony'.

The authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and curfew may be relaxed on Wednesday if the situation allows, according to a senior police officer.

People thronged markets on Tuesday evening in the curfew-bound areas to purchase essential items.

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