Curfew in parts of Kashmir; CRPF jawan dies in militant attack

“Curfew remained in force in five police station areas of the old city, Hazratbal zone in Srinagar district and Anantnag town in south Kashmir as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order,” a police officer said, adding that restrictions on movement of people were in force in the rest of the valley. Stringent security arrangements were put in place on account of Independence Day celebrations but militants struck at Nowhatta area of the city on Monday morning, killing a CRPF officer and injuring nine other security personnel. 

“Two militants were killed in the initial exchange of firing while three others were killed late in the day,” a official said. Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, who had sustained head injuries during clashes between protesters and security forces at Tangmarg area of Baramulla district on August 12, succumbed at SKIMS hospital here, the officer said. The separatist camp is spearheading the protests over the civilian killings in the aftermath of Wani’s encounter.

As many as 57 people, including two policemen, have been killed and thousands of others injured in the clashes that began on July 9.