Kashmir violence: Death toll touches 70

Body of a youth, who had drowned while allegedly being chased away by government forces in Sangam area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, was fished out early on Saturday morning from Jhelum River.

Separatists had called for Badamibadh march to present letters to the Indian Armed Forces, asking them to vacate from Jammu and Kashmir. 

All the roads leading towards Badamibagh had been sealed while the movements of people were restricted by erecting barbed wires at a number of spots in Srinagar city.


Shops and business establishments remained closed while public and private transport remained off the roads due to the strike. 

Curfew remained in force in many parts of the Valley, including old Srinagar city, while restrictions on movement of people were imposed in rest of the areas.

Over 11,000 people, including 7,000 civilians and 4,000 security personnel, have been injured in the ongoing unrest which commenced following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

Separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were arrested on Friday when they defied house arrest and came out to join the separatist-called march in the city which was foiled by the forces.

All educational institutes, shops, transport and other businesses remain suspended. 

 
(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)