Kashmir shuts in protest against Kulgam killings

Complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir on Monday to protest the killing of four militants and two civilians in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district a day before. Clashes and protests were reported from various parts of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district while as there was heavy deployment of forces in various districts of Kashmir to prevent any protests.

Reports said that the strike hit the normal life in all the districts of the region as all commercial establishments, shops and private institutions remained closed. Thin traffic plied on the roads. 

In Srinagar, the summer capital, commercial hub Lal Chowk saw the movement of private vehicles in less number while all the shops and other establishments remained closed for the day. The strike was called by the joint resistance leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik. 

Reports said mild clashes were reported from Srinagar areas that include Habba Kadal, Natipora, Soura, Kani Kadal and Rainawari. Reports of mild clashes also poured in from Narbal area in Srinagar outskirts.

South Kashmir
Amid complete shutdown in all South Kashmir districts, reports of mild clashes in certain areas came in even as restrictions were imposed in major towns. Shops and other business establishments remained closed and traffic was completely off the roads. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in strength to thwart any attempts of protests in Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Bijbehara towns.

Clashes were reported from old town Anantnag and Khanabal, as well as in certain localities of Bijbehara town. There were however no reports of any injuries during these clashes. 

The condition of more than 25 people injured in forces’ action on Sunday is stated to be stable.

North Kashmir
All districts in north Kashmir witnessed complete shutdown. According to reports, clashes were witnessed throughout the day at Palhallan in Baramulla district. Police lobbed scores of teargas shells to disperse the agitating youths who were trying to march towards the highway. One protester was injured. 

Clashes between protesters and youths were also reported from apple town Sopore. According to reports, minor clashes were reported near Jamia Masjid Sopore and on Khanpora Bridge in Baramulla. 

Reports from north Kashmir’s Bandipora and Hajin townships said mild clashes occurred in Papchan area.

Central Kashmir
Reports from Central Kashmir’s Budgam said that amid shutdown across the district, mild stone pelting incidents were reported from Nagam and Machu areas of Chadoora Budgam. In Beerwah prayers in absentia were held near Markazi Jamiah Masjid Sharief for those killed in Kulgam. A peaceful pro-freedom march was also carried out in the town, reports added. In Ganderbal, reports said that all the shops, business establishments remained closed. 

(With inputs from Khalid Gul, Altaf Baba, Eijaz-ul-Haq Bhat, Showkat Dar, Irfan Ahmed)

Courtesy: Greater Kashmir