4 hurt in security forces? firing in Kashmir

At least four protestors were injured in Shopian in south Kashmir on Sunday when security personnel allegedly opened fire on a mob, even as curfew was imposed in Sringar and other major cities in view of a separatists? called protest march.

Reports said that security forces moved into Nagbal village, 75 km from Srinagar, in the wee hours on Sunday on information that some militants were holed up.

The villagers, who were assembled in a field, raising slogans and security personnel had to baton-charge and fire in the air to control the situation.

Two persons received serious injuries and were referred to a Srinagar hospital, while two others were discharged after first-aid at the local hospital.

Meanwhile, curfew was back in most parts of the Valley in wake of a protest march by the hardline Hurriyat Conference faction.

?Curfew has been imposed in Srinagar city and towns of Baramulla district on Sunday, while restrictions shall remain in force in major towns of south Kashmir,? a senior police officer said here.

?The decision to impose curfew has been taken to prevent violence by miscreants and anti-social elements,? he added.

Separatist Syed Ali Geelani had given a call for a protest march on Sunday as part of the faction?s weekly protest calendar of the ?Quit Kashmir? movement.

At least 108 people were killed in anti-India protests led by the separatists in Kashmir since June 11, prompting the Centre to initiate talks with the various groups in the state, propose greater autonomy and depute an all-party delegation to the Valley.