Curfew remains in force in some areas of Valley

Srinagar, Aug 17 (PTI) Curfew remained in force inSrinagar district, Anantnag town and Magam area of Budgamdistrict as a precautionary measure even as normal life wasparalysed for the 40th consecutive day today in Kashmir where63 persons have been killed in the ongoing unrest. "Curfew has been imposed in Magam area of Budgam districtwhere four persons were killed in security forces firingyesterday. Curfew also remained in force in Srinagar districtand Anantnag town," a police official said. He said restrictions on the movement of the people havebeen imposed in the rest of the Valley. Heavy deployment of security forces has been carried outin Srinagar city with all roads leading to the local office ofUnited Nations Military Observers Group (UNMOG) at Sonawarsealed. The separatists groups have called for a march to the UNoffice here to impress upon the global body to intervene andresolve the Kashmir issue. The separatists have threatened a 72-hour sit-in protestsif their proposed march to the UN office is not allowed by thegovernment. Normal life in the Valley remained crippled for the 40thday today. Schools, colleges and private offices remained closedwhile public transport remained off the roads due to thestrike called by the separatists. The attendance in government offices 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 commander Burhan Wani in an encounter withsecurity forces on July 8. The separatist camp is spearheading the protests in theValley over the civilian killings. As many as 63 persons including two cops have been killedand several thousand others have been injured in the clashesthat began on July 9. PTI MIJDV