Curfew lifted from parts of Valley but protests continue

Five days after Afzal Guru was hanged, curfew was relaxed several parts of Kashmir. Newspapers resumed publication and local cable networks started airing news channels. However, curbs on mobile internet services continued.

As the situation improved, curfew, which was relaxed, was later lifted from several parts of Srinagar. People were seen buying essential goods especially medicines. But curfew in downtown localities continued.

In Bandipore, north Kashmir, protest broke out soon after curfew was relaxed in the morning. Protestors pelted stones on CRPF bunkers. Three of them were injured when police fired teargas shells.

Curfew was imposed in Bijbhera in south Kashmir after people took to the streets. Clashes were also reported from Baramulla in north Kashmir. Protesters at Guru's village, Doabgah, raised slogans against his execution and demanded his body.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has clarified, through a tweet, that newspapers chose not to print because restrictions make delivery of newspapers impossible.

"If there was a ban then it would have extended to internet editions as well, which are regularly being updated. As the restrictions ease the newspapers will resume publication because the problem isn't with printing, it's with them being unable to sell," he tweeted.

On allegations of "government gag", he said it would be well-advised to produce a copy of the order. Many newspapers had flayed the government for making publication impossible on February 9, the day Guru was hanged, due to curfew.

J&K Police said the situation was peaceful. "Curfew was relaxed in parts of Pulwama and Kupwara from 9 am. In the city, it was relaxed in Ram Munshi Bagh, Kothibagh, Sadder, Rajbagh, Lalbazar, Nigeen, Zakoora, Parimpora, Bemina and Nowgam areas," the police spokesman said.

He said in Baramulla curfew was partially lifted in some areas from 4 pm to 6 pm. Curfew was also relaxed in Sopore and Budgam towns.

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