No end to Clashes, Protests despite strict Curfew

Even as curfew and restrictions continued in most area of the Valley for the 31st day today, at least 20 persons, including 12 policemen, were injured in clashes between protesters and police personnel at Bijbehara in Anantnag district of south Kashmir today.
Nearly 50 others, including 11 civilians and 38 police and CRPF personnel, were injured in clashes at Langate in Kupwara district of north Kashmir on Sunday evening. Three of them were referred to hospitals in Srinagar.
A police spokesman said five minor incidents of stone-throwing were reported from Anantnag, Sopore and Baramulla districts today while the overall situation was normal and under control. Curfew restrictions were in force in Anantnag town and downtown areas of Srinagar.
A group of protesters tried to block the Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Bijbehara. Miscreants smashed the panes of some vehicles and tried to stop vehicles carrying essential commodities, the spokesman said.
He added that the police reached the spot to ensure smooth movement of traffic, but there was stone-throwing by the people, causing injuries to12 police and CRPF men.
However, reports from Anantnag said residents of village Simthan near the highway were protesting against the alleged excesses by police personnel. At least seven persons, including a woman, received pellet injuries in police action and were referred to Srinagar hospitals.
The south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian had been witness to continued protests and clashes between protesters and police personnel following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani and two associates in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district on July 8. At least 54 civilians and two police personnel had lost their lives and several others injured in the clashes so far.