Plea seeks imposition of Governor's rule in J&K; SC to hear matter next week

New Delhi: As the situation in Jammu and Kashmir continues to remain volatile, a plea was filed before the Supreme Court on Friday seeking its direction to the state Governor to take over the state administration there.

The plea filed by the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) said the apex court should pass the order in the interest of security and safety of citizens in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Supreme Court has listed the plea for hearing next week.

It is not the first time that a plea has been made in the wake of the recent unrest in Kashmir to impose Governor's rule there under the provisions of the J&K Constitution.

Several parties, including the Shiv Sena, the NPP and the JKNPP, have called for imposing Governor's rule in the state.

The recent unrest started after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in Anantnag district on July 8.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the unrest rose to 44 with a youth, injured in clashes a few days ago, succumbing on Friday.

Meanwhile, curfew continued to remain in force in all 10 districts of the Valley due to apprehension of law and order problems in view of large gatherings for Friday prayers.

Authorities had eased curfew in four districts -- Baramulla, Bandipora, Budgam and Ganderbal -- yesterday to facilitate reopening of schools.

However, most of the schools in these districts remained closed as parents chose not to send their wards due to security apprehensions.

Mobile telephony and mobile internet services remained suspended for the 14th day today. Normal life remains paralysed for two weeks now due to curfew and a separatist-sponsored strike.

(With PTI inputs)