Curfew Lifted in Kashmir, Prior to Visit by All-Party Delegation

Srinagar: Authorities on Sunday lifted curfew and restrictions from the entire Kashmir Valley ahead of the arrival of the 28-member all party delegation led by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

A senior police official said there would be no curfew or restrictions anywhere in the Valley “Sufficient deployment of security forces has been made to respond to any law and order problem that might occur during the day,” the official said. Heavy security was also deployed on the road leading to Srinagar city from the international airport. The all party delegation will meet various local leaders during their two-day visit.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti wrote letters to separatist leaders requesting them to meet the delegation. However, there has been no positive response to the request. Different traders’ organisations have already said that they would not meet the delegation unless their visit begins with a meeting with the separatists.

The delegation will review the ground situation and explore ways and means to end the ongoing unrest that has paralysed normal life in the Valley for the last 58 days. Seventy four people - 71 civilians and three local policemen - were killed in clashes since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed.

IANS