Kashmir unrest: Curfew lifted from Srinagar after 17 days

The restrictions that were put in place following protests over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani earlier on July 9, were lifted on Tuesday from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to District Magistrate Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, there will be no restrictions in any part of Srinagar today.

However, curfew continued in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the mobile internet services were restored in Jammu region after remaining suspended for 17 days in view of the protests in the Kashmir valley.

Deputy Commissioner of Jammu Simrandeep Singh said the orders have been issued to restore mobile Internet services with immediate effect.

Fearing a backlash in Jammu region after the start of protests in the valley, the authorities had decided to snap mobile internet services across 10 districts of the region.

Meanwhile, the state government has asked the Kashmiris residing or studying outside the state to contact Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of their native districts for any help.

Barring BSNL post-paid mobile connections and landlines with broadband connections, the authorities suspended mobile telephony and mobile internet services across the valley following protests.

With communication snapped, Kashmiris outside the state have been expressing concerns over their families' welfare with some students complaining that they were running out of money.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier on July 23 visited the valley to take stock of the situation where he met various political leaders including Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Singh said, "The (Union) government will welcome any constructive suggestions on Kashmir. We want to build an emotional bond between the Centre and Kashmir and a dialogue is possible to resolve differences people may have."

However, indicating a hardening position on separatists, Singh asked Pakistan to 'change its mindset on Kashmir' and stressed that 'terrorism in any form will not be tolerated'.