Kashmir unrest: J&K Secretariat office set on fire as fresh clashes break out in Shopian

Srinagar: Ahead of the all-party delegation led by Home Minister Rajnath Singh reaching Srinagar for assessing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a fresh clash broke out between security forces and protestors in the Valley. 

The clashes broke out in south Kashmir's Shopian district today morning with protesters setting ablaze a mini-secretariat building that comprises the office of the DM and many other district level officers. Fortunately, no employee was present at the secretariat when the incident occurred.

Normal life in the Valley was paralysed for the 58th day as restrictions continued in the rest of the Valley which has been hit by violence since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in July.

People in Penjoora village of Shopian tried to take out a protest rally which was stopped by the police, leading to clashes, an official said.

Over 100 people have been injured so far in the ongoing clashes between protestors and government security forces in Shopian.

Early today, government forces including police and paramilitary men foiled a pro-freedom rally in Penjoora village of Shopian.

Meanwhile, authorities today lifted curfew and restrictions from the entire Kashmir Valley.

"There are some injuries but more details are awaited," he said.

Yesterday, protesters in the neighbouring Kulgam district burnt a house of the ruling PDP's block president Gulzar Ahmad.

Ahmad had facilitated a meeting of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti with the family of a victim of violence in the district. Mehbooba had visited the family of Late Mashooq Ahmed, firing victim of Kund, Kulgam and offered condolences to the bereaved family yesterday.

"Curfew remains in force in five police station areas of downtown Srinagar," a police spokesman said.

He said curfew in these areas of the summer capital continued as a precautionary measure in view of the call given by separatists asking people to occupy Airport road, city centre Lal Chowk and district headquarters against the all-party delegation's visit.

On the other hand, aiming to bring peace in Jammu and Kashmir, the all-party delegation reached today in Srinagar for a two-day visit to the state during which it is expected to interact with a cross-section of people.

"We intend to talk to individuals and groups who want peace and normalcy in Kashmir Valley," Rajnath Singh said before the departure of a delegation comprising 30 members from 20 parties.

Cutting across party lines, leaders said that they were hopeful of finding a solution for restoration of peace in the Valley where violent clashes have claimed 71 lives since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.