Tension in Kashmir increases after death of civilians

Tension gripped Kashmir Valley on Wednesday after the death of a protester on Srinagar-Jammu national highway and a bank guard in Srinagar late Tuesday, police said.

"One civilian was killed and another critically injured when the security guard of additional district development commissioner (Ramban) opened fire at a mob that attacked his vehicle at Lethpora in Pulwama district on Tuesday," a senior police officer said.

A bank ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) guard was killed under mysterious circumstances during the night in Chattabal area of Srinagar city.

Police said the guard had been attacked and killed with some sharp edged weapon.

Scores of protesters on Wednesday blocked roads and raised slogans in Chattabal area alleging the guard had been shot at and killed.

Authorities imposed curfew in south Kashmir areas and restrictions in rest of the valley to maintain law and order.

Things had started showing up during the last two days as private transport and pedestrian movement was witnessed in uptown areas of Srinagar.

Apprehending defiance of imposed restrictions in old city areas of Srinagar and other places in the valley, heavy deployment of police and paramilitary central reserve police force (CRPF) has been made on Wednesday.

Separatists have already extended protest shutdown call till August 5 asking people to resume normal activities after 6 pm each day.

All educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities have remained closed ever since violence started here on July 9, a day after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani's killing by the security forces.

Staff at some government run educational institutions has, however, reported for duties during the last two days.