SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Indefinite curfew has been imposed Saturday in several parts of Muslim majority areas of Indian-controlled Kashmir including capital city Srinagar.
The latest development was triggered following the killing of top militant commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani in a gunfight with troops, officials said.
The step was taken to prevent protest rallies and clashes in wake of Wani's killing. Separatist groups had urged people to march to Wani's village and even asked people to offer in-absentia prayers for him.
Officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. The restrictions were being enforced by thousands of armed police and paramilitary troopers, who had laid barricades and coils of concertina wire to close roads.
Wani the poster boy of region's indigenous militant outfit - Hizbul Mujahideen (HM)- was killed along with two associates Friday evening at village Waybemdoora of Kokernag town in Anantnag district, about 65 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
As the news about his killing spread, hundreds of people hit the roads in protest and clashed with the police. The protests continued throughout night at several places including Wani's home town Tral.
Authorities have also snapped cellphone and internet services in the Muslim majority region in a bid to check the flow of information.
Reports said thousands of people have gathered at Tral to participate in funeral procession and prayers of Wani. The crowd is shouting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. Of late militant funerals have again started witnessing a huge local participation. Hundreds of people including women turn up to participate in funeral procession of militants.
Analysts say this is for the first time authorities have to use severe curbs to prevent people from participating in the funeral prayer of a militant.
