Srinagar: Five-day long curfew clamped to curb protests after the killing of a teen was lifted from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
However, a complete shutdown was observed in Hajan and Naidkhai towns of the district against alleged police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) excesses.
Reports reaching GNS said that all shops, offices, business establishments and banks opened in the district’s main town, while private and public transport was also plying normally.
“Everything is normal here since morning. People are busy in their routine activities,” Mir Tariq, a local, told GNS over phone.
The markets were abuzz with people and no protest was reported from the area.
In neigbouring Hajan and Naidkhai towns a complete shutdown was observed amid minor clashes between youth and government forces.
“Hajan was completely shut against the police and CRPF atrocities on locals. In the afternoon, youth clashed with forces, who in return lobbed nearly half-a-dozen tear-smoke shells,” an eyewitness told GNS.
However, no one was injured in the clashes. Similar situation was reported from Naidkhai town of the district.
Last week on Friday evening, 18-year-old Farhat Ahmad Dar was killed in police action following violent clashes in the area. Police claimed that they “fired in air” but locals say the police directly targeted the protesters. The authorities have already ordered a magisterial enquiry in the incident.
A delegation of Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir (HCJK) led by Mushtaq-ul-Islam managed to reach Naidkhai where they addressed a large gathering. Mushtaq condemned the killing and hailed people for raising their voice against the “forces’ atrocities”. (GNS)