Following the death of a youth in alleged firing by the police and paramilitary forces in Bandipora district in North Kashmir, tension gripped parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday resulting in the authorities imposing curfew-like restrictions in Naid Khai-- where the incident occurred-- and the neighbouring areas.
Besides, curbs remained in force in Bandipora, Baramulla, Palhalan, Sumbal and Sopore towns. Palhalan, Sumbal and Sopore towns. Normal life was hit as the police and paramilitary personnel blocked roads in the area by laying concertina wires and the locals were not allowed to venture out. Owing to this, the traffic was thin as the people preferred to remain indoors.
The authorities had also imposed restrictions in parts of the city’s downtown areas to prevent people from taking to the streets.
Both the moderate and hardline factions of separatist conglomerate Hurriyat Conference have called a “Kashmir bandh” on Sunday to protest against the killing of the youth.
The JKLF will also stage peaceful protests against the killings at the city centre in Lal Chowk tomorrow ( on Monday).
Officials said in view of the separatist strike call, security restrictions may be imposed in some parts of Valley on Sunday to prevent anti-government demonstrations. “The nature of the restrictions will depend on situation in the specific area,” they said.
The Deputy Commissioner has ordered a Magisterial probe into Friday’s incident in which Farhat Ahmad Dar, 20, was killed and three others were injured when the security forces allegedly opened fire on a restive mob that pelted stones at the police and security personnel, besides targeting their armoured carrier. And the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Bandipora has been appointed as the inquiry officer.
Despite the restrictions that were enforced, several people took part in the funeral prayers held in Farhat’s native village on Saturday morning, which saw pro-Islamic and anti-government slogans being raised.