Fresh clashes break out in Kashmir, several injured; curfew lifted in parts of Valley

Srinagar: Fresh clashes broke out between protesters and security forces on Saturday in several parts of Kashmir as authorities lifted curfew in the Valley, except parts of Srinagar city and towns of Anatnag and Pampore.

Nearly a dozen persons were injured in the violence, a police official said.

A group of protesters started a march from Shopian town at around 5 PM and as they reached near a police camp, some miscreants started pelting stones on the police installation, the official said.

Three persons including a woman were injured in retaliatory action by the police. All the injured were referred to hospitals here for treatment.

There were reports of clashes at several places in the Valley during the day but the situation remained by and large under control, the official said.

Nine persons were injured in the clashes, the official said, adding the condition of all the injured was stated to be stable.

48 people have died while more than 5,600 have been injured in the clashes between protesters and security forces since July 8 when Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter.

A police official said curfew was lifted from most parts of the Valley today but restrictions on assembly of four or more persons continued in entire Kashmir.

"Curfew is in place only in five police station areas of Srinagar city -- Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal and Maharajgunj, Anantnag town and Pampore town," he said.

Authorities had yesterday imposed curfew and restrictions across Kashmir to thwart a call by separatist camp for march to historic Jamia Masjid. More than 100 persons including 46 security personnel were injured in the clashes reported from at least 70 places across the Valley.