Srinagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Indefinite curfew continued in all major towns of Kashmir Valley for the fifth day Friday. Though the region remained largely peaceful, residents have now started complaining of food and medicine shortages.
‘Indefinite curfew shall continue today (Wednesday) in Srinagar city, north Kashmir Sopore, Handwara, Kupwara, Trehgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Baramulla towns,’ a senior police officer said here.
‘There would be no relaxation in the curfew in Anantnag, Pulwama, Qoimoh, Bijbehara, Kulgam, Shopian and Pampore towns. Central Badgam, Chadura, Ompora and Humhama towns shall also continue to remain under curfew,’ he added.
Though the overall situation across the valley still remains volatile, there has been a noticeable downslide in both the groundswell and the anger that the region has been witnessing for the last three months.
People living in different areas of Srinagar, however, have begun complaining of shortages of baby food, medicines, cooking gas and food.
‘We have rations for just another three days left with us. My mother, who is diabetic, needs insulin injections on a regular basis and I fear if the curfew continues like this, her life would be in danger’, said a resident of Srinagar’s Old City who did not want to be named.
When the apprehensions of the residents were brought to the notice of a senior police officer here, he said: ‘We have made repeated announcements through the local TV and radio stations as also through loudspeaker-mounted vehicles in areas under curfew that in case of any emergency, the residents must contact the station house officer (SHO) of the nearest police station.
‘Clear orders have been given to the SHOs that they must ensure that they respond promptly to the emergency calls of the people. No civilian will be allowed to suffer on account of shortages of medicine and essential supplies.’
The officer added: ‘Orders are also clear about allowing ambulances carrying the sick to hospital without causing any inconvenience to them. But I must add that we have to ensure that the passage of ambulances and other vehicles belonging to essential services is genuine.
‘I once again repeat that the imposition of curfew is an extreme measure which has been resorted to keeping in view the nefarious designs of the anti-social and anti-national elements who use everything including religion to stoke the sentiments of people.’
Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, who spearheads the ‘Quit Kashmir’ campaign announced by his group, has issued a protest calendar valid up to Sep 26.
As per this calendar, people have been asked to resume normal activity for two days – Sep 20 and Sep 22. Residents have also been asked to resume normal life from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day.
But there have been no curfew violations during this period.
The valley has been under curfew since 18 people were killed in unprecedented violence on Monday, Sep 12. As many as 90 people have lost their lives in the ongoing unrest that started June 11.
