Srinagar, Mar 16, KNT: Normal life was thrown out of gear in Srinagar, Kupwara, and Tral on Saturday amid a spontaneous shutdown, imposed curfew, and clashes between youth and security forces. While no separatist group had called for a strike, protests erupted in different areas over recent arrests of youth, triggering widespread tension.
In Srinagar, authorities imposed strict curfew in the old city and Maisuma, effectively shutting down all commercial activity and halting movement. Shops and schools remained closed, especially in Lal Chowk, where residents from curfew-bound areas were unable to open their businesses. Roads wore a deserted look with very thin vehicular movement, and public transport remained off the roads.
Despite the heavy security presence, youth took to the streets in several areas of downtown Srinagar, including Saraf Kadal, and clashed with the deployed police and paramilitary personnel. Stone-pelting incidents were reported, leading to prolonged skirmishes between protesters and forces.
In Kupwara district, hundreds of youth staged protests, demanding the immediate release of detained individuals. The situation escalated into violent clashes with security forces. Although SSP Kupwara Mohammad Irshad claimed that no personnel were injured, reports indicated that at least nine policemen, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Sajad Ahmad, sustained injuries during the confrontation.
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Meanwhile, Tral town in South Kashmir witnessed a complete shutdown over similar demands for the release of arrested youth. All shops, schools, and businesses remained closed, and roads were deserted as no traffic movement was reported throughout the day.
Though the unrest gripped these three regions, life returned to normalcy in other parts of Kashmir with no reports of untoward incidents. [KNT]
