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Authorities impose curfew in parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir after 3rd civilian deaths

Xinhua, April 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

Authorities Wednesday imposed curfew and restrictions in parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir, to prevent protests against the killing of three civilians in army firing on protesters.

The third critically wounded woman identified as 55-year-old Raja Begum succumbed to bullet wounds in hospital early on Wednesday, health officials said.

Two young men were killed after Indian army troopers on Tuesday fired on enraged people protesting an alleged sexual assault bid on a woman at the hands of a trooper in Handwara town of frontier Kupwara district, 71 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

According to officials, army fired after people tried to storm their bunker in the town.

The army and police have ordered investigations into the alleged sexual assault bid and the firing on protesters.

Hundreds of police and paramilitary troopers have been deployed in Handwara to enforce curfew.

Authorities have also imposed restrictions in some areas of Srinagar to stop protests against the killings.

"The restrictions will remain imposed in areas falling under six police stations including Rainawari, Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safakadal in old city and Maisuma," Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Lone said.

Meanwhile, thousands of people participated in funeral prayers of two civilians including the woman. Reports said mourners shouted anti-India and pro-freedom slogans during the funeral procession.

The third civilian was yet to to be taken for burial, reports said.

The pro-India political parties including National Conference, Congress and Communist Party of India (M) have condemned the killings.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in the wake of the shutdown call by separatist groups across the Muslim majority areas of region. Traffic on roads remained disrupted to a large extent.

Indian-controlled Kashmir is branded as one of the highest militarized regions in the world. Endit