SRINAGAR, Dec 5: Curfew has been relaxed in two police station areas in capital Srinagar seven days after it was imposed following sectarian clashes.
It was relaxed late in the afternoon after a ‘peace march’ by a group of moderate separatist leaders comprising Shia and Sunni leaders.
People were seen thronging to the markets in Zadibal, Gojwara, Sazgaripora, Hawal and Alamgaribaza, witnesses said.
Deputy Commissioner or the district head of Srinagar, Baseer Khan told a local agency, KNS that the relaxation was time bound – only till six in the evening. But witnesses say people are still out on the streets.
Our correspondent, Rakib Altaf says Wednesday morning is crucial for the curfew not to be re-imposed.
Sectarian clashes are rare in Kashmir valley but there were minor clashes on Wednesday between two groups of youth. Authorities had imposed curfew in nine police station areas in the capital with a mixed population of shias and sunnis.
It was lifted on Saturday but fresh clashes that morning forced the police to impose fresh restrictions in Zadibal and Nowhatta police station areas.
Chairman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had called for a meeting of representatives of Shia and Sunni sects today.
After the meeting the leaders joined by people marched through the streets to Zadibal and Alamgari Bazar through different streets from Rajouri Kadal and Hawal areas.
The march was led by Shia leader, Masroor Abbas Ansari.
“Certain elements were hell bent upon creating a wedge between the two communities in pursuit of a particular vested political agenda…creating tension among muslims to divide them on sectarian lines,” he told a gathering of people.
“The tension being limited to certain parts was an indication that people have been alert to the vested interests.”
Hardline separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani is scheduled to take out a similar march tomorow (Wednesday). Whether authorities plan to allow the march is not clear.
