Burhan Wani death anniversary: Army reviews security situation in valley, Amarnath Yatra suspended

On the Burhan Wani’s death anniversary, the Indian Army reviewed security situation in the valley. Army troops have been deployed and top commanders visited different places to take stock of the situation.

Citing security reasons on Wani’s anniversary, the Amarnath Yatra was suspended from Jammu. So far, over 1.15 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at ice lingum of Lord Shiva at the 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir himalayas.

Earlier on Friday, Army’s Northern Command chief Lt. Gen D Anbu, accompanied by Chinar Corps Commander Lt. Gen J S Sandhu, visited areas in North and South Kashmir to review the security situation and measures put in place for ensuring peace and calm in the Valley, a defence spokesperson said here.

He said Lt. Gen Anbu interacted with the troops on ground and complimented them for their dedication and highest standard of professionalism.

The two officers also called on Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and briefed her about the prevailing security situation in the Valley.

Authorities have imposed restrictions in parts of Kashmir to maintain law and order as the Valley braces for Wani’s first death anniversary on Saturday.

In Srinagar, restrictions have been imposed on movement of people in five police station areas, officials said.

They said the curbs have been imposed in the police station areas of Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal.

The officials said similar restrictions have been imposed in Anantnag town in south Kashmir.

Curbs on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPc have been imposed in Pulwama and Shopian districts in south Kashmir and in Baramulla district in north, they said.

The officials said the restrictions in these areas have been imposed as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident.

They however, said life was going on normally in the rest of the valley.

Wani’s killing in an encounter with security forces on July 8 last year, triggered massive protests and prolonged period of curfews and shutdowns across the Valley.

As many as 85 persons were killed and thousands others were injured in daily clashes between security forces and protesters for a period of over four months.

Separatist groups have called for a strike on Saturday.

With PTI inputs