Srinagar: A day after the six persons including two militants were killed in Shopian shootout, a complete shutdown was observed across the Valley on Monday while the authorities imposed strict restrictions to foil any protest against the civilian killings.

Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik had called for a shutdown on Sunday evening soon after the civilian killings in South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Police however, claimed that those killed in Shopian shootout include two militants and four Over Ground Workers (OGW’s).

The district administration imposed strict restrictions in Srinagar areas falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Rainawari, Khanyar, Safakadal, Nowhatta and M R Gunj in old city while partial restrictions remained in place at Maisuma and Kralkhud areas.

Locals informed that police and paramilitary troopers were deployed in large number in restriction bound areas throughout the day. “All the roads in restriction bound areas were sealed by erecting concertina wires on the roads,” witnesses said.

Meanwhile, following the call given by JRL, a complete shutdown was observed across the Valley.

All the shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions remained closed throughout the day while the traffic was also hit.

After winter break, the authorities had announced re-opening of valley schools today.

However, in view of the prevailing situation, all the schools continued to remain closed.

Notably, following the killings in Shopian youth at various places across the Valley clashed with the government forces after they took to streets to protest against the civilian killings in Shopian.

In South Kashmir, clashes between youth and forces erupted at several places including Tral, Awantipora, Pulwama, Shopian and many other villages and towns.

The forces according to the witnesses resorted to teargas canisters to disperse the youth who were pelting stones on them.

In Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, clashes erupt in Chadoora, Kralpora and Machoowa areas.

Authorities meanwhile, had suspended the mobile internet services in southern districts in wake of the Shopian killings while mobile internet speed across the Valley was reduced to 2G.

The train services in Kashmir were suspended today as a precautionary measure.

Guest