Life crippled in parts of Kashmir against civilian, militant killings

Srinagar: Normal life was today crippled in parts of north and south Kashmir against killing of civilians in clashes and militants in encounters with security forces.

A police official said that there were no restrictions in any part of the valley though security force remained deployed in strength to maintain law and order in Kashmir valley. Even though there was no strike call given by separatists, business and other activities were paralyzed today in some parts of north Kashmir, including Sopore in Baramulla and Hajin in Bandipora.

The spontaneous strike in these areas comes against the killing of three local Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) militants in an encounter with security forces in Amargarh, Sopore, in Baramulla yesterday. Shops and business establishments remained closed for the third successive day today in Anantnag to protest against the civilian and militant killing on August 4.

Hundreds of security forces remained deployed in entire Anantnag district, where security forces yesterday resorted to aerial firing at several places to disperse stone pelting demonstrators, who took to streets to protest against the killings. Meanwhile, train service was suspended again for security reasons in the valley, where people alleged that mobile services of all cellular companies, barring BSNL, have been suspended in some districts in south and north Kashmir.