KL Report
Srinagar
Strict curfew is in place for the second consecutive day Friday after a Fidayeen attack in Bemina. Five CRPF men and the two militants were killed in the attack.
Curfew is imposed in the whole Srinagar district and no movement of the people is being allowed from any part of the city. Some shopkeepers early tried to open their shops in the Kursoo Rajbagh area but a large contingent of police forced the shopkeepers to down their shutters. Extra forces have been deployed in the city to stop and curb the civilian movement.
Strict restrictions have also been imposed in other major towns and the district headquarters of the valley which include Islamabad, Kulgam,Pulwama, Bijbehara, Shopian, Budgam, Beerwa, Ganderbal, Sopore, Baramulla, Pattan, Bandipora and Pampore.
Police defends the curfew and restriction saying the step has been taken to maintain law and order.
The valley of Kashmir is witnessing shutdowns, restrictions, arrests and protests since February 9, when parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged and buried in Tihar jail Delhi.
The main separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik are demanding the mortal remains of Guru. Even the unionist parties PDP and the ruling NC is also voicing in favor of the demand. Chief minister, Omar Abdullah and PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Saeed wrote separate letters to PM, Dr Manmohan Singh demanding the mortal remains of Guru. But the central government ruled out the possibility to return the body of Afzal rejecting the demand of both the unionist leaders.
Both the factions of Hurriyat Conference, JKLF, Bar association, Jamaat-e-Islami and Dukhtaran-e-Millat have formed a joint amalgam ‘MMM’ to spearhead an agitation to seek the body of Afzal Guru. The ‘MMM’ has called for Qunoot-e-Nazila during the Friday prayers and protests after congregation.