Separatists' shutdown call in Kashmir today
26 Aug 2008, 1013 Hrs

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Srinagar/Jammu, Aug 26 (ANI): The separatists in Kashmir have called a complete shutdown in the Valley today against the alleged high-handedness of security forces after four persons were killed and over 80 were injured in police firing on protesters on Monday. Curfew remained clamped in the Valley for the third day today, as tension gripped the state after renewed violence in the last 24 hours.

Curfew has also been re-imposed in Srinagar where only the few that have curfew passes are allowed to step out. People have been without newspapers, essential supplies, and even medicines.

The curfew was imposed in all the ten districts of the Valley on Sunday morning, even as protesters defied it on Monday, triggering clashes with security forces in Srinagar and at many places across the Valley.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, the Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti (SASS) has refused to sit down for the fourth round of talks on Tuesday with the Government-appointed four-member panel.

The Samiti has cited the highhandedness of the police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on protesters during Monday's 'chakka jam' as the reason for refusing to continue the talks.

The Samiti has also extended the shutdown in Jammu till August 31 saying the agitation will go on till the land issue is resolved.

Police and RAF Personnel had to fire tear gas to disperse stone pelting protesters, who were trying to block Jammu-Pathankot National Highway on Monday. About eight-ten protesters were injured in the clash. After violent protests, curfew has been re-imposed in Kathua in Jammu. (ANI)