Fearing Friday stir, forces crack down

Fearing unrest after Friday prayers, security forces launched a massive crackdown across Kashmir Thursday and picked up more than 50 youth, including separatists. Curfew continued in old parts of Srinagar and all major towns for the sixth consecutive day. However, it was relaxed some areas of Srinagar and some towns in the evening.

The Hurriyat Conference has asked people to assemble at Eidgah in old city on Friday and offer funeral prayers in absentia for Afzal Guru. The separatists have called for demonstrations across Kashmir.

On Wednesday night, when the police retreated from the old parts of the city, youths pelted stones on them. Heavy stone pelting was reported from Anantnag and Bijbhera in south Kashmir that forced officials to clamp curfew.

A police officer said Friday was a crucial day for security agencies and curfew was likely to be imposed even in areas where it has been lifted. "The situation will be reviewed Friday evening,'' he said.

On Thursday, members of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association organised a protest march here and demanded the return of Afzal Guru's body to his family for last rites.

Police spokesperson said that except for some incidents of stone pelting, situation across Kashmir remained peaceful on Thursday. "Curfew was relaxed or lifted from many parts of the Valley, but not in Baramulla, Sopore, Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama towns. In the afternoon, there was partial relaxation in curfew at Baramulla and Sopore towns,'' he said.

Independent MLA Engineer Rashid, who was arrested while trying to reach Afzal's house Saturday, remained in "preventive" custody for the sixth consecutive day. He said resignation from the Assembly was "one of his options".

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