Curfew, restrictions continue for 48th day in Kashmir

Srinagar: Authorities on Thursday continued curfew and restrictions in Kashmir for the 48th consecutive day as the separatists extended the protest shutdown till September 1.

"Curfew will remain in force in Anantnag, Pulwama and Srinagar districts while restrictions will continue in Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla, Shopian, Kulgam and Badgam districts," a senior police official said.

The death toll rose to 69 after a teenager was killed in clashes with the security forces in Pinglina village of Pulwama district on Wednesday.

Twenty-five people including three police officers were injured when militants who were part of a mob hurled two grenades at the security forces in Pulwama town.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Kashmir on Wednesday on a two-day visit where he held a security review meeting with top civil, police, paramilitary, intelligence and army officials.

Before leaving for New Delhi later on Thursday, Rajnath Singh is slated to meet Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti and other local delegations at the Nehru Guest House in Srinagar.