Curfew, Internet Suspended And Heavy Security Deployment Across Kashmir As The Valley Marks Eid

The valley will hardly see any Eid festivities on Tuesday with the state, after a high-level meeting of all security agencies, deciding to use drones, choppers and high-resolution cameras to monitor the situation and prevent movement of separatists, violent mobs and protesters during Eid.

BCCL

The decision was taken following a call by the separatists for a march to the Srinagar office of the UN, officials said. This would be the first time in 26 years since the onset of militancy in 1990 that there would be no Eid gatherings at Idgah and Hazratbal shrines.

Also Read: Ahead Of All Party Delegation Visit, Curfew In Parts Of Srinagar, Restrictions In Rest Of Kashmir

The state also ordered shutdown of internet services of all telecom networks and mobile telephony except state-run BSNL for the next 72 hours.

BCCL

The Army has been put on standby and will step in if there is fresh outbreak of violence in the valley. which has been witnessing widespread unrest for over two months leading to death of over 75 people so far, official sources said. Troops have already been stationed at vantage points in rural areas which have a history of violent protests.

Also Read: Kashmir Reaches Breaking Point As Curfew Cripples The Valley For The 43rd Day And Counting

Meanwhile, in the ongoing Poonch encounter, a fourth terrorist was killed, holed up in a semi-finished government building on Monday. On Sunday, three Pakistani fidayeen were killed in a day-long firefight with security forces. One cop was also killed.

BCCL

Sources said two groups consisting of four fidayeen each had sneaked in from the LoC and taken shelter in a government building and an under-construction private house in Poonch town.

Defence spokesman at 16 Corp, Col N Hari, said the gunbattle is still on. But he refused to give the number of terrorists in the vacant building.

Also Read: Youth Allegedly Killed By Pellet Gun Fired At Point-Blank Range Near Kashmir Hospital

The decision to completely ban the internet was taken after a review of the prevailing law and order situation, sources said. They said Airtel, Aircel, Vodafone and Reliance have been ordered to shut down their services with immediate effect for 72 hours. BSNL too has been asked to stop its broadband services for internet.

BCCL

However, post-paid BSNL connections, which are mainly used by the police, Army and government officials, have been kept out of the purview of the ban, sources said.

Also Read: Over 1.3 Million Pellets Were Fired In Kashmir By CRPF Since July

Mobile telephony was banned immediately after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8 which set off the current spiral of violence in the Valley. It was partially restored on July 27 followed by opening of only broadband Internet.