Fresh clashes in Kashmir Valley, 3 killed

Srinagar, Aug 16 (PTI) Three persons were killed and fiveinjured in fresh clashes between stone-pelting protestors andsecurity forces in Magam area of central Kashmir’s Budgamdistrict today, taking the death toll in the ongoing unrest inthe Valley to 61. A group of youth pelted stones at a CRPF vehicle atAripathan in Magam area this morning. In the retaliatoryaction by the security forces, three persons were killed whilefive others sustained injuries, a police official said. Curfew, meanwhile, remained in force in entire Srinagardistrict and Anantnag town while restrictions were in place inthe rest of the Valley as normal life remained paralysed forthe 39th consecutive day. The official said curfew and restrictions were imposed tothwart the plans of separatists to organise sit-in protestagainst the civilian killings at main market places of theValley. "Curfew remained in force in entire Srinagar district andAnantnag town in south Kashmir as a precautionary measure tomaintain law and order," the police official said. Schools, colleges and private offices remained closedwhile public transport remained off the roads due to thestrike called by the separatists.The attendance in governmentoffices was thin. Internet and mobile services across the Valley remainedsuspended. While broadband services were snapped on Saturdayevening, the mobile telephony was suspended late in the nighton the same day. Normal life has been affected due to protests against thekilling of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in anencounter with security forces on July 8. 61 persons, including two cops, have been killed andseveral thousand others have been injured in the clashes thatbegan on July 9. PTI MIJDV