Curfew lifted from Anantnag, remains in force in other parts

Srinagar, Aug 27 (PTI) Curfew was today lifted from southKashmir’s Anantnag town after 49 days, even as it remained inforce in some other parts of the Valley, including Srinagar,to maintain law and order in view of the separatist plans tomarch towards the headquarters of Army at Badamibagh here. Curfew was lifted from Anantnag town this morning butrestrictions on the assembly of people remain in force, apolice official said. He said it was for the first time that the curfew waslifted in the south Kashmir town ever since it was clamped onJuly 9 following killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander BurhanWani in an encounter with security forces a day earlier. The official, however, said curfew continued in entireSrinagar and two south Kashmir towns of Pulwama and Pampore. He also said restrictions on assembly of people were inforce in rest of the Valley to maintain law and order. The separatists have called for a march towards ChinarCorps army’s headquarter in Kashmir at Badamibagh cantonmenthere. Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed for the 50thconsecutive day due to curfew, restrictions and separatistsponsored strike. Shops, private offices, educational institutions andpetrol pumps remained closed while public transport continuedto be off roads. The attendance in government offices and banks was alsoaffected, the official said. Mobile Internet also continued to remain suspended in theentire Valley, where the outgoing facility on prepaid mobilesremained barred. The separatist camp, which is spearheading the agitationin the Valley over the civilian killings during the protestsagainst Wani’s killing, has extended the strike call in theValley till September 1. As many as 68 persons, including two cops, have beenkilled and several thousand others injured in the clashes thatbegan on July 9.PTI SSB MIJDV