News
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Curfew re-imposed in parts of IHK
*New clashes break out between protesters and forces
* Police, soldiers fire tear gas and use batons to disperse hundreds of rock-throwing demonstrators in SrinagarBy Iftikhar Gilani
NEW DELHI: Curfew was re-imposed in parts of Srinagar, as well as Anantnag, Pulwama and Sopore districts, following fresh clashes between protesters and security forces in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK).
IHK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday told TV channels that the army might return to the barracks after July 13, depending on the situation.
Curfew was relaxed to enable people to offer special prayers overnight at Srinagar’s Hazratbal shrine for Shab-e-Meraj.
Police on Saturday burst tear smoke and resorted to baton charge in Srinagar and Baramulla to disperse thousands of people who were protesting against the recent civilian killings across the valley.
At least 14 people were injured in renewed clashes.
Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq offered prayers in the historic Jamia Masjid and proceeded to Zadibal, where he was joined by Shia leader Syed Hasan Budgami.
The protest march was later dispersed by police.
Police also detained a separatist leader from Anantnag, Qazi Yasir, booking him under the Public Safety Act. He was later moved to the Jammu Prison.
Clashes also broke out in Maisuma area, where youth fought pitched battles with troops and police when the curfew was lifted. The curfew was re-imposed in the area later.
Reports of protests and clashes also poured in from several parts of Baramulla district, where authorities re-clamped the curfew.
Admitting that the current unrest had dented his image, Omar Abdullah said calling army out on to the streets was the most difficult of decisions.
He, however, ruled out resigning and also dismissed speculation that his father and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah would step into his shoes.
He said he had consulted Home Minister P Chidambaram and Defence Minister AK Antony on the situation and the deployment of the army.
Abdullah has convened an all-parties’ meeting in Srinagar on Monday to discuss the crisis, but the opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), plans to boycott the meeting, saying the government had lost its credibility.
Other smaller parties have also chosen to stay away, leaving only the Bharatiya Janata Party to attend the meeting.
Omar appealed to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, requesting her to attend Monday’s meeting.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk