Indefinite curfew in Kashmir Valley ahead of 'Lal Chowk Chalo' march
24 Aug 2008, 1052 Hrs

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Srinagar, Aug 24 (ANI): Authorities in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday imposed an indefinite curfew following a call given by separatists for a rally at Lal Chowk to protest against the failure of the Centre in finding a resolution to the Kashmir issue. A day ahead of the 'Lal Chowk Chalo' march, announcements were made on loud speakers this morning about the imposition of the curfew and people were directed to stay indoors.

Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength to tackle any situation and they are not allowing any one to move without a curfew pass.

People were surprised when they came out of their houses for domestic purchasing and they were ordered to move back their homes.

According to official sources, the Jammu and Kashmir Government had received inputs suggesting that some people were planning to target Hurriyat leaders, including Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Yaseen Malik during their march to Lal Chowk on Monday.

The decision to impose the curfew was taken during a meeting held late last night and that some people have been detained during a night-long crackdown.

Security forces carried out a crackdown in various parts of the city and picked up nearly two dozen people including Ayaz Akbar, spokesperson of Hurriyat faction led by Geelani.

Life in the Valley was paralysed on Saturday following a three-day shutdown called by separatists, reviving their agitation to press for "right to self determination".

The Valley wore a deserted look as both public and private transport kept off the roads. Business establishments, markets, government offices, educational institutions, banks and other semi-government organisations remained closed in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Valley. (ANI)