Curfew imposed in Handwara after third death in Army firing

Authorities imposed a curfew in Handwara and restrictions in parts of Srinagar after separatists called for a shutdown of Kashmir Valley on Wednesday to protest the army firing that killed three people.

Two youths were killed on Tuesday when the army opened fire in Handwara, about 85 kms from Srinagar, to disperse a stone-pelting mob protesting the alleged molestation of a girl by army personnel. A third person, a 50-year-old woman who was fatally injured in the incident, succumbed to injuries on Wednesday.

The killings triggered protests in Handwara town, Srinagar and Pulwama districts of



Kashmir. Restrictions were imposed in six police station areas in the capital city of Srinagar on Wednesday.

The District Magistrate Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone however said members of the Sikh community were free to move about these areas in view of the Sikh festival of Baisakhi.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said she had spoken to the defence ministry regarding the matter, and announced a compensation for families of the deceased. “I was assured an inquiry will be conducted... I was also assured that those responsible will be punished,” she said, according to ANI.