Kashmir unrest: Centre rushes 20 additional CRPF companies to Valley

Srinagar, July 17 (ANI): With the tense situation in Jammu and Kashmir remaining grim, the Centre on Sunday sent 20 additional Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops to the Valley to maintain law and order in the state and also as a precautionary measure against any possible violence by locals and untoward elements. Also, the summer vacations for all schools in the Valley have been extended to July 24. Meanwhile, curfew in the Valley continued for the ninth day today in an attempt to maintain law and order in the state, as well as preventing the people from staging demonstrations against the killing of Wani. Around 38 people have been killed so far and several others injured after clashes between the protesters and security forces so far. Cell phone services have been blocked and mobile internet in Jammu and Kashmir remains suspended. The government has also blocked Cable TV networks across Kashmir Valley. The violence has shown no signs of subsiding as the protesters on Saturday attacked a police post in Kupwara district in which a civilian was killed. Two civilians were also reportedly injured in fresh incidents of violence in the area. A mob attacked a police post at Hatmulla in Kupwara district, following which the security personnel retaliated. On Friday, another protestor was killed and three others injured in fresh police firing in Kupwara district and another civilian died in South Kashmir district. The incidents of violence continue to crop up despite the Centre and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti calling on the people of the state to maintain calm and cooperate with the state government to bring peace in the valley. (ANI)