Srinagar: Protests continued for the third straight day Thursday in Kupwara town of north Kashmir where the killing of seven alleged militants by army had sparked off violent clashes leading injuries to at least a dozen people, including troopers and policemen, prompting administration to impose curfew like restrictions.

Eyewitnesses told GNS that the curfew like restrictions continued in Kupwara town and Lalpora Lolab, while other areas including Trehgam, Dardpora, Khurhama observed a complete shutdown against the killing of the alleged militants. The town presented a deserted look as all the shops and other business establishments were closed, while the traffic was also off the roads. Police and paramilitary CRPF were deployed in huge numbers to thwart further escalation in protests.

However, despite restrictions, scores of people, mostly youth took to streets and held pro-freedom protests at Lalpora and Kupwara town. “There were minor clashes between youth and government forces at Kupwara town,” eyewitnesses said.

However, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kupwara, Abdul Jabbar told GNS that the situation across the Kupwara remained peaceful today.

On Monday, army and police claimed to have killed seven unidentified ‘militants’ in Dardpora area of Lolab valley. A day later, the locals staged strong protests against the killings and demanded authorities to handover the bodies of seven alleged militants to people as they had apprehensions that the slain might be civilians. Later, clashes had broken out in Lalpora causing injuries to CRPF and police officers and several media men. To bring situation under control, authorities had imposed curfew like restrictions. (GNS)