Restrictions, protests suspended in Kashmir Valley on Friday

Authorities lifted curfew from Anantnag while hardline Hurriyat Conference (HC) also suspended protests for the day on Friday as the general citizens heaved a sign of relief and used the day to stock on essentials for more days of shutdown and restrictions.

The HC, which announced a new protest calendar on Thursday, suspended all agitations on Friday as it was the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Curfew was lifted from Anantnag as law and order situation remained normal, after the prohibitory orders were clamped four days back.

However, Kunzar area along Srinagar-Gulmarg road remained under curfew following protests.

With no restrictions after a long spell of curfew and protests, the people of the Valley flocked the markets to stock on essentials as well as do some advance shopping with Eid approaching.

Vehicles were on the roads and banking institutions were also open, though schools and government offices remained closed after the government announced a public holiday on Friday.

The Valley had been on the boil since mid-June as clashes between stone-pelting mobs and security forces have claimed at least 65 lives till date.