‘Adequate deployment of forces has been made’
Srinagar: Security forces were on Sunday deployed in strength in parts of Srinagar in the wake of fresh violence following death of a teenager, even as normal life remained affected elsewhere in the Valley for the 121st consecutive day due to separatist–sponsored strike.
“Adequate deployment of security forces has been made in parts of Srinagar, but there is no curfew in the city (here) or anywhere in Kashmir,” a police official said.
He said security forces have been deployed in strength in some areas of the city to maintain law and order in the wake of Saturday’s violence following death of a 16-year-old boy Qaiser Sofi due to alleged poisoning.
Sofi was reported missing on October 25 and found in an unconscious state in Shalimar area of the city six days later and hospitalised. However, local residents of the area alleged that the teen was force-fed some poisonous substance.
Police have said an investigation is underway into the case registered under section 309 Ranbir Penal Code (attempt to suicide) at Nishat Police Station.
Although there was very less movement of people and vehicular traffic in the old city areas, most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments were shut elsewhere in the Valley but are expected to reopen as the separatists have announced a 15-hour relaxation in the strike from 4 PM onwards.
The ongoing unrest in Kashmir, triggered by killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir on July 8, has completed four months.
The separatists, who are spearheading the ongoing agitation in the Valley, have been issuing weekly protest programmes.
As many as 85 people, including two cops, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley. Around 5000 security forces personnel have also been injured in the clashes.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman said the situation across the Valley remained peaceful and under control on Sunday. “During the day, normal movement of people and vehicular traffic was seen on the city roads as was also seen in other parts of the Valley. “The famous Srinagar Sunday market opened early in the morning and huge number of shoppers thronged it for purchasing different articles,” the spokesman said.
He said on Saturday evening, miscreants attempted to set on fire Government Boys Higher Secondary School at Zakoora on the outskirts of Srinagar but firefighters quickly doused the fire. “Police has taken cognizance of the matter and the miscreants are being identified,” he said. (PTI)