Three security force bunkers removed from violence-hit J&K’s Handwara

Authorities erected a board on the premises of the bunker, marking the place for conversion into a public park.

Municipal authorities on Tuesday removed three security force bunkers from the main market in violence-hit Handwara town in north Kashmir, fulfilling one of the long pending demands of local residents.

-"Three bunkers, which were constructed on top of shops in Handwara main market, have been removed by municipal authorities,-" a police official said.He said the main bunker, located in the round-about of the main market, has also been vacated and taken over by municipal authorities.

-"This bunker will also be demolished and the task will be completed by 2 pm today,-" the official said.The municipal authorities also erected a board on the premises of the bunker, marking the place for conversion into a public park.

The locals had been demanding removal of the bunkers for quite sometime but the Army had put its foot down, saying it was strategically important for the troops.

However, the demand for removal of these bunkers intensified after last week's violence triggered by alleged molestation of a girl by an army soldier.

Three persons including a woman were killed in firing by security forces on protestors on Tuesday while two more persons were killed in separate security forces action against protestors on Wednesday at Drugmulla and on Friday at Nathnusa. Restrictions relaxed in Handwara Curfew-like restrictions were relaxed in Handwara town for four hours today but remained in force in Kupwara and Trehgam towns of north Kashmir, police said.

-"Restrictions have been relaxed for four hours in Handwara town from 8 to 12 noon. The relaxation period can be extended if the situation remains peaceful,-" a police official said. He said so far the situation in violence-hit town was peaceful.

However, there was no relaxation in the curbs on the movement of the people in Kupwara and Trehgam towns in view of apprehension of violence.

The restrictions were eased on Monday for three hours but had to be clamped again following violent protests.