Kashmir unrest: Naidu calls up Mufti over 'media gag'

New Delhi, July 19 (ANI): Following reports that the state government had shut down a newspaper publication, a major printing press and raided media houses in regard with the tense situation in the Valley, Minister for Information and broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on the issue. However, Mufti clarified to Naidu that there is no such ban on the publication of news papers. Earlier, the J&K media reported that the police had raided media houses in what was seen as the most sweeping information blackout in the valley which has been rocked by violence. Mobile and internet services are already blocked in the valley where curfew was extended to the eight day on Saturday. Cable TV was also blocked but was restored on Saturday evening. Mufti's contradiction comes days after government spokesman Nayeem Akhtar reportedly said that "the undesirable step was taken to ensure peace, to save lives and strengthen peace efforts" According to reports, hawkers in the city's centre alleged that police did not allow them to distribute the newspapers and also seized their copies. Meanwhile, the curfew imposed in the valley in wake of the protest continued for the elevent consecutive day. The life in the Valley remained paralysed after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing, due to strike called by the separatists and curfew-like restrictions imposed by the authorities. The incidents of violence continue to crop up despite the Centre and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urging the people to maintain calm and cooperate with the state government to restore peace in the valley. After Burhan's death, Kashmir is on boil and about 40 people have been killed and over 3,000 including 1,600 civilians injured in clashes between youth and security men during protests. (ANI)