Life across Kashmir valley on Wednesday including the capital city Srinagar remained paralysed due to restrictions by authorities and shutdown called by separatists, officials said.

Authorities fearing clashes have deployed hundreds of India’s paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and policemen in full-riot gears across towns to impose strict restrictions and disallow protest demonstrations.

The restrictions have been imposed in areas falling under police stations Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, M R Gunj, Kralkhud, Maisuma and Safa Kadal in Srinagar.

Contingents of police and paramilitary were deployed in Anantnag, Pulwama, Sopore, Shopian, Pulwama and some other towns, reports said.

The separatist groups had called for general shutdown and protests against the civilian and militant killings in Hakripora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Two civilians and two militants including LeT commander Abu Dujana and his associate Arif Lalhaari were gunned down yesterday in Hakripora Pulwama.

Following the gunfight, protests had erupted across Kashmir valley. In the ensuing clashes between forces and protesters, two civilians  were killed.

A civilian namely Firdous Ahmad Bhat died yesterday after being hit by bullet, while as another civilian namely Akeel Ahmad resident of Gabbarpora Shopian who was injured yesterday in forces’ firing succumbed at Soura today.

All educational institutions in the valley were close down to prevent student protests. In wake of the strike and restrictions, shops and businesses remained shut. Public transport was also off the roads.

Mobile internet services in the region have already been blocked.

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