Curfew lifted from Sopore
Town observes shutdown
While curfew was lifted from north Kashmir’s Sopore town Thursday morning, the area observed complete shutdown amid sporadic protests.
Despite lifting of curfew, heavy contingents of Army, CRPF and police remained deployed in the main town and adjoining areas including Batapora, Kralteng, Arampora, Chankhan, NaseemBagh, Krankshivan, Main Chowk, KhushalMatoo and Baba Yousuf.
Eyewitnesses said forces had blocked the roads connecting Sopore with Sangrama, Seloo and Nowpora areas. Barricades and spools of razor wire were erected along the main roads to restrict the movement of people.
Locals said as the deal in curfew was announced at about 11.00 am, most of the people preferred to stay indoors with business establishments also remaining closed. However, some people were seen out in the markets to
purchase essentials like milk, vegetables and medicine.
Sporadic protests and incidents of stone-pelting were reported from Hatishah and Chanakhan areas.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sopore said deal was announced in curfew for two hours in the morning which was then extended for the whole day after improvement in the situation.
Curfew was imposed in Sopore on Monday following the killing of a local youth Arshad Aziz Shah in firing by government forces.
Meanwhile, scores of people visited the bereaved family and expressed on Arshad’s Chaharum. Some local separatist leaders also visited the family.