46th day of curfew, restrictions cripple Kashmir Valley;toll rises to 68

Authorities continued restrictions in many parts of Kashmir Valley as life remained paralysed for the 46th consecutive day on Tuesday.

Curfew would continue in old Srinagar city and Anantnag town while restrictions will remain in force in all other districts of Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kupwara and Badgam towns, a police official told IANS.

State Education Minister Naeem Akhtar has dismissed speculations that Jammu and Kashmir government was mulling mass promotion to next classes up to 10th standard because of the ongoing unrest that has forced closure of schools for nearly two months.

Akhtar has directed the state



board of school education to start preparatory work for conducting exams up to 12th class as he dismissed mass promotions at any level.Educational institutions, markets, public transports and other businesses remained closed as separatists have already extended protest shutdown till August 25.

At least 68 people including 66 civilians and two policemen, have died in the violence in the valley since July 9, a day after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed by the security forces in a gunfight.

Meanwhile, oil supplies were restored to the valley on Tuesday after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti assured of security to the oil tanker owners and truckers.