NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — Kashmir remains gripped by fear amid sectarian violence. A curfew has remained in force across the 10 districts of the valley as deadly clashes between protesters and security forces have showed no signs of ending.
Normal life has remained paralyzed for the 11th day due to a separatist-sponsored strike which has now been extended till July 22. In a joint statement, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Fraooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik said that the shutdown in the valley will continue until July 22. However, they have announced that it will be relaxed for half a day on July 21.
Mobile telephony and mobile internet services remained switched off, while the local press failed to print newspapers for the fourth day.
The administration is gearing up for Wednesday, which will be observed as a 'black day' by Pakistan as a protest against the series of killings in the valley. In a joint statement, Kashmiri separatist leaders have also called on supporters to observe the 'black day'.
The clashes in the turbulent Kashmir valley began soon after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.
India has alleged that Pakistan is behind the Kashmir unrest and Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in an address to the Indian Parliament that Pakistan should desist from anti-Indian activities in the Kashmir valley.
