SRINAGAR : Curfew restrictions were relaxed for the first time in the major towns in the frontier district of Kupwara today following improvement in the overall situation.
However, all educational institutions will remained closed in the district. Restrictions were imposed in Kupwara, Handwara, Langate and other places on April 13 following massive protests after the killing of two youths and a woman in security force firing on April 12. Later two more youths were killed on April 13 and 15 in the security force action on demonstrators.
Immediately after curfew relaxations were restrictions from 0800 hrs for three hours, people came out in large number on the streets to purchase essentials, particularly vegetable, milk, medicine and bread. Majority shops and business establishments also reopened. Passenger and private vehicles also hit the road after the relaxation.
Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan said the relaxation would be extended after reviewing the situation. However, large number of security force and state police personnel remained deployed to maintain law and order.
The situation has started limping back to normal after the visit of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to Kupwara, where she met the family members of deceased persons and chaired a high-level meeting during which security forces were told that civilian killing was unacceptable.
The situation remained by and large peaceful in the district during the past 24 hours and there was no report of any untoward incident. Government has ordered a magisterial inquiry while the Army has also started probe into the incident. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
