DHAKA: A curfew has been imposed across Indian-administered Kashmir as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid.

Fresh violence on Tuesday left one protester dead and at least 22 others were injured as security forces blocked roads to several important mosques.

Mobile and data services have been stopped. An Eid curfew is extremely rare in Indian-administered Kashmir, reports the BBC.

Officials said the shutdown was to stop plans by separatists to march to the UN observers’ office in Srinagar.

The Press Trust of India agency added that Eid congregations were not held at the important Idgah and Hazratbal shrines for the first time in 26 years.

Kashmiri media reported that markets on the eve of Eid saw far fewer shoppers than previous years, and the usual rush for bakery and meat products was missing.

In the latest violence on Tuesday (September 13), security forces fired tear gas and pellet guns at protesters in the Bandipora area of northern Kashmir and Shopian in the south, as well as in Srinagar, a police officer told the AP news agency.

Indian media reported that a 19-year-old was killed after being hit by a tear gas shell in Bandipora.

Separatist groups have called for an “austere Eid” to mourn the death of over 70 civilians in protests since 9 July.

The demonstrations were sparked by the killing of a popular militant leader, Burhan Wani, 22, who died in a gunfight with the army.

Disputed Kashmir is claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan and has been a flashpoint for more than 60 years, sparking two wars between the neighbors.

Within the disputed Muslim-majority territory, some militant groups have taken up arms to fight for independence from Indian rule or a merger with Pakistan.

BDST: 1655 HRS, SEP 13, 2016
BD