33rd day of lockdown paralyzes life in Kashmir

Authorities continued curfew and restrictions in Kashmir Valley on Wednesday for the 33rd consecutive day as separatists did not relent on shutdown and protests.

"Curfew will remain in force in Anantnag town while restrictions shall continue in Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama towns," a senior police official said here.

The official said restrictions shall also continue in old city and uptown Batmaloo area of Srinagar city.

"Similar restrictions shall remain in force in Sopore, Kupwara, Handwara and Baramulla towns.

"Prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPc (Criminal Procedure Code) are in place in Ganderbal, Bandipora and Badgam towns," he said.

Separatists continue their shutdown call through weekly issuance of protest calendars.

Curfew and separatist shutdown began in the valley on July 9, a day after Hizbul commander, Burhan Wani, was killed in a gunfight with the security forces.

All educational institutions, shops, public transport and other business establishments have remained closed for the last 33 days in Kashmir, although interior markets in cities and towns have been functioning briefly in the evenings.

Police said except for stone pelting incidents at three places in Kupwara, Bandipora and Anantnag districts, the overall law and order situation had generally remained calm on Tuesday.

--IANS

sq/py/