Restrictions reimposed in parts of Kashmir’s Srinagar

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI, India (AA) - Authorities have reimposed restrictions in parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar, Indian media reported on Sunday.

“Restrictions were reimposed in certain areas which witnessed trouble on Saturday after the curbs were eased in several areas of the city and elsewhere in the valley,” Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency quoted officials as saying.

Kashmir is facing a complete communication blockade since Aug. 5, when India scrapped special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Hundreds of people mostly political leaders have been detained or arrested by the authorities.

According to the PTI report, protests took place at around a dozen of places in the valley.

Meanwhile, speaking at a news conference in Srinagar, Rohit Kansal, a spokesman for the Jammu and Kashmir government, said that two people were injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Asked about the government's announcement that majority of telephone lines would be restored by Sunday, Kansal said: “BSNL has been working throughout the day and process is on […],” referring to landline services provider.

Despite government announcement of restoring landline services, locals in the region said their phones were still not functioning.

“Our landline is still not working. They have just made the announcement, but it has been 24 hours and our phones are still not functional,” said Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar.

To a question about a news report suggesting 4,000 arrests were made in Kashmir since Aug. 5, the government spokesman said: “We have seen such exaggerated reports before. What is the basis of the reporting?”

Kansal said the process of easing restrictions continued on Sunday and that the regional government is planning to reopen 190 primary schools in Srinagar on Monday.

Meanwhile, the first batch of Hajj pilgrims returned to Srinagar on Sunday.

“Only one family member is allowed at the airport to receive the Hajis [Hajj pilgrims]. A fleet of the State Road Transport Corporation buses has been deployed to facilitate the movement of Hajis and their relatives with the coordination of all district administrations,” an official told PTI.

* Ahmad Adil in Srinagar contributed to this story.