Guru's hanging: clashes erupt after curfew is lifted

Sporadic protests erupted in the valley today as the authorities withdrew curfew restrictions from the entire valley, first time since Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was executed on February 9. HT reports.

Sporadic protests erupted in the valley on Saturday as the authorities withdrew curfew restrictions from the entire valley, first time since Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was executed on February 9.

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Protests broke out in parts of the old city when youth people tried to carry out a procession through interiors of Nowhatta and Safakadal areas to demonstrate against execution of Guru.

Heavy deployment of security forces was rushed to contain the protests in the city, resulting in clashes. Later, the protests spread to several interior localities.

The security forces fired rubber bullets and tear-smoke shells to quell the protests. Eyewitnesses said three people were injured in the security forces' action.

Separatist Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front bastion, Gaw Kadal, was also sealed by security forces after clashes.

"Suppressing people's voice by tyrant attitude and oppression cannot be termed but as worst kind of dictatorship. The Indian government and its puppets are equally responsible in judicial murder of Guru," said a JKLF spokesman.

Spontaneous protests were also reported from south Kashmir's Anantnag and Shopian districts. The vehicle of district session judge Muhammad Ashraf Malik was also attacked by protesters in Anantnag district in the morning. He escaped unhurt in the incident.

Several pockets of areas around Lal Chowk in Anantnag engaged security forces in pitched stone battles till late in the afternoon. Several youth have been rounded up during the clashes.

In north Kashmir, there were protests in Baramulla and Sopore towns. A police vehicle was attacked in Baramulla town by stone throwing protesters.

After improvement in situation, director general of police Ashok Prasad had announced lifting of curfew from the entire valley. The authorities also restored internet services on Friday evening.

However, train services, even on eighth day, failed ply within the valley. In 2010, the railway stations came under attack from protesters and several stations and halting points were set afire.