Curfew, strike disrupt normal life

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 25: Curfew imposed by the authorities and the strike called by separatists disrupted life in Kashmir for second consecutive day today following killing of militant commander Zakir Musa in a gunfight with security forces in Pulwama district.
The curbs on the movement of people were in force in parts of Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama towns of Kashmir today as a precautionary measure to prevent protests and violence.
Schools and colleges remained shut today, while mobile Internet continued to be suspended across the Valley. However, it was restored in the evening in parts of Kashmir including Srinagar.
Train service on the Baramulla-Banihal line remained off the tracks for second consecutive day today as a precautionary measure to prevent any damage to the Railway property.
In Srinagar, strict restrictions were in place in Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, Safakadal and M R Gung police station areas, while partial restrictions were in force in Maisuma and Kralkhud areas.
Security forces were deployed in strength in other parts of the Valley to prevent any violence. They had erected iron barricades and laid concertina wire to block the main roads to prevent movement of people and vehicles.
Despite restrictions, there were protests at several places in Srinagar today. However, the protesters were chased away by the police. A police officer said that the situation in Kashmir remained peaceful.
Musa, the head of the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, was killed in the encounter at Dadsara village of Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday after security forces launched a search operation late Thursday evening following specific information about the presence of militants there.
His killing led to spontaneous shutdown and protests in the Valley.
Meanwhile, most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments remained shut in the Valley due to a strike called by Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the killing of Musa and a civilian Zahoor Ahmad, a resident of Naira Pulwama who was killed by unidentified gunmen on Thursday.
They said public transport was off the roads, but few private cars and auto-rickshaws were seen plying.

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