Curfew continues in Kashmir

Curfew continued on Monday in most parts of the Kashmir Valley following heightened tension over the death of 22 people during protests against the killing of a Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

According to agency reports, the victims comprised 21 protesters and a police driver who were killed during clashes with security forces, mostly in Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama districts. Shabir Ahmad, the first victim from Srinagar succumbed to bullet injuries late Sunday evening,

Kashmir Valley erupted in anger on Saturday after security forces killed Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen leader, along with two of his associates on Friday. His funeral was attended by thousands.

Three policemen taken hostage by angry mobs in south Kashmir on Friday, returned back safely, but their weapons were seized, said police.

Four police stations, 36 civil administration offices and dozens of vehicles were destroyed during the clashes. A total of 102 civilians and 100 security personnel were injured.

All senior separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, were placed under arrest by the authorities while the state government requested them to help normalise the situation.