NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Authorities Impose Curfew in Kashmir to Prevent Demos

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Feb 4: The authorities imposed a curfew in some parts of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian administered Kashmir, to prevent people from protesting against the killing of a 13-year old boy, Wamiq.

The boy Wamiq Farooq, a 7th class student, was killed in police shelling on Sunday evening. He was hit by a tear smoke shell fired by police on the head and succumbed to injuries in the hospital. His family members and the locals of Rajouri Kadal, where he was hit by a tear-smoke shell, accused police of firing a tear gas canister at him without any provocation.

Since then Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir have been on boil with people, mostly youngsters, clashing with police and paramilitary personnel. Over 250 persons including dozens of police and paramilitary soldiers have been injured in the clashes across Kashmir since Monday.

Sensing more trouble and protests, the authorities imposed a curfew in major portion of Srinagar on Thursday. Hundreds of people were expected to attend a mourning meeting at the residence of the slain boy on Thursday.

Hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers were deployed on the roads and were enforcing the curfew, which was not officially declared. The cops had placed barricades and concertina wires on the roads to prevent people from coming out on roads.

The 13-year old boy hailed from old city and as such the restrictions were more severe in the old city.

"The cops did not allow us to venture out of our homes. We were not allowed to purchase bread, milk and vegetables. Even some women were abused when they tried to venture out of their homes to purchase essential commodities," said Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Nowhatta in old city.

Meanwhile, the rest of Kashmir remained closed for the 4th day in succession. All shops, business establishments, banks and educational institutions remained closed while vehicular movement was off the roads.

Intense clashes were reported between the angry youth and police and paramilitary personnel at some places in North and South Kashmir.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.