Srinagar:
Parts of Jammu and Kashmir remain tense as protests continued on Friday against the killing of four people in firing by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Ramban district, about 145 kilometres from the capital Srinagar.
Here are the latest developments:
The Amarnath Yatra has been stopped after protests shut down the 300-kilometre-long Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Almost 1,000 Amarnath pilgrims that have already reached Jammu are waiting in the camps of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF).
Curfew has been imposed in the entire Kashmir Valley and the Ramban district due to protests and clashes in many towns.
Four people were killed on Thursday when the BSF fired on a mob protesting against the alleged manhandling of a religious leader. The BSF said they fired in self-defence when protesters tried to storm their camp.
Protests have closed down the Banihal tunnel, India's longest rail tunnel connecting the Kashmir Valley with Jammu.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the firing saying, it was "highly unacceptable to shoot at unarmed protesters."
The collector of Ramban has been transferred.
Separatists called for a three-day bandh beginning today, and a protest march to Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Most of them are now under house arrest.
Police and paramilitary personnel have been posted across Srinagar and roads leading to Lal Chowk have been sealed to ward against any trouble.
Mobile and Internet services that were suspended yesterday have now been restored.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has ordered an inquiry into the firing and said strict action will be taken if there was use of excessive force or irresponsible action.
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