Curfew lifted from many parts of Kashmir

SRINAGAR - Curfew was lifted from south and central Kashmir and from most northern parts of the valley Tuesday but schools that opened a day earier after many weeks still reported only thin attendance.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, however continues to be under curfew.

“There have been no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere in the valley. Curfew has been lifted completely from Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Awantipora areas in south Kashmir and from Baramulla, Handwara and Bandipora areas in north Kashmir,” police said in a statement.

“Similarly, from Badgam district in central Kashmir, curfew restrictions have been lifted. However, curfew restrictions continue in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kangan and Sopore towns. In Kupwara, Trehgam and Kralpora areas, curfew has been relaxed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” a police statement said here.

State-run schools reopened Monday after three and a half months of closure following mass protests in the valley. At least 108 people have been killed, mostly in firing by security forces.

Staff reported for duty at most educational institutions in Srinagar Tuesday even as the number of students who came to attend classes has been dismal.

“In a curfew bound city, expecting parents to send their children to attend classes is like telling wingless birds to take flight,” said Bashir Ahmad Sofi, a resident.

Some even suggested the opening of educational institutions should follow and not precede restoration of order in the city.

“Schooling, class work and academic pursuit are possible in normal situations. If you expect that by putting the cart before the horse things will start showing up, I am sorry, you are expecting the impossible,” said Naseer Ahmad, another resident.

On Monday, some protestors threw stones at school buses.