Internet services suspended again in Kashmir amid fears of fresh protests

Srinagar: The internet services in the restive Kashmir Valley has been suspended again by the government amid fresh tensions.

The authorities have deployed additional security personnel in Srinagar and other violence-prone areas in the Valley to maintain law and order.

Anticipating fresh protests ahead of Eid celebrations on Tuesday, the government has temporarily suspended all broadband BSNL services.

Only voice calling services have been allowed.

Mobile Internet facilities on cell phones and other appliances have already been suspended since violence broke out in July.

Separatists have appealed to locals to celebrate Eid on Tuesday with austerity as a mark of respect for the victims of the ongoing unrest, and called for march to the office of United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Sonwar area of Srinagar.

Authorities have decided to impose curfew and restrictions to prevent the march.

Restrictions were imposed in Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama districts amid fears of fresh protests.

"We have intelligence inputs that separatists are planning large-scale violence on Eid in Srinagar and elsewhere. Adequate arrangements have been made to scuttle the separatist designs," IANS quoted a senior intelligence officer as saying.

The Valley will remain shut despite Eid celebrations on Tuesday, the report quoted an official as saying.

Two of the most sought after food items on Eid, mutton and bakery products remained unavailable to the people of the Valley.

Educational institutions, main markets, public transport and other businesses remained suspended.

So far, some 80 people were killed and around 11,500 others injured in the ongoing unrest that started here on July 9.