Curfew like restrictions imposed in parts of Kashmir after beef ban creates unrest

The restrictions have given the the city the look of a curfew-bound area.

Shops, business establishments and schools are closed across the valley. Kashmir University has also postponed exams scheduled for today.

Areas under seven police stations are under curfew-like restrictions. Government apprehends trouble after large scale protests in several areas of Kashmir on Fridayafternoon when some people defied High court orders and slaughtered cattle.

On Wednesday the Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered the enforcement of a ban on slaughter of cattle and sale and purchase of beef in the state. The court was hearing a public interest litigation demanding ban on beef.

 

Under the law enacted during the rule of the provincial King in 1932, slaughter of cattle including cow, ox, buffalo is a punishable offence and violators can jailed up to 10 years.

 

But the law has been rarely enforced in the state. Cattle slaughter and sale and purchase of beef have become a regular trade in the state over the last three decades.