Srinagar
Authorities have imposed an undeclared, indefinite and strict curfew in most parts of Kashmir, on the first death anniversary of popular militant leader Burhan Wani to thwart any possibility of rally expected to be held in his honor.
Thousands of armed police and paramilitaries have been deployed in streets of major towns and villages including Srinagar. They laid coils of barbed wire at entry and exit points in many towns.
In Tral, Burhan’s hometown, unprecedented clampdown arrangements have been set in place as the authorities fear massive assembly of people to pay homage to Burhan Wani. Following the killing of Wani on July 8 last year, Kashmir saw massive civilian uprising which was responded by state viciously as nearly 100 civilians were shot dead and hundreds blinded by pellets.
Hurriyat leaders have given a shutdown call to mark the anniversary. Shops, schools, government offices remain shut. Roads are deserted.
Burhan Wani, commander of militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed along witht wo associates Sartajk Ahamd and Pervez Ahmad in a gun fight in Bemdoor a village of Kokernag in Islamabad district in Southern part of Kashmir valley.
Burhana Wani was household name in Kashmir and he became globally popular after his death. He was 22 years old at the time of his death.
Meanwhile, internet services remain suspended in Kashmir from the past two days. The decision of suspending internet has drawn criticism even from former chief minister Omar Abdullah.
