Parts of Kashmir shut to mourn militant, civilian killings

Srinagar: A day after killing of the two civilians and three militants, South Kashmir’s three districts including Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama observed a complete shutdown while reports of partial shutdown also poured in from Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Chadoora town of Budgam district also observing a shutdown while in Nagam area of the town that is the native village of Hizb Commander Muhammad Yaseen Itoo alias Mehmood Ghaznavi people flocked in large numbers at his house to express sympathies with the bereaved families. Thousands of people participated in his funeral procession. He was laid to rest amid pro-freedom slogans. To maintain law and order, authorities imposed restrictions and curfew in Chadoora town.
All the shops and business establishments remained shut in Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama districts. Authorities suspended internet services in these districts. It also ordered the closure of schools and colleges across Kashmir. Restrictions had been imposed in old Srinagar city to foil pro-freedom protests.
Pertinently three militants were killed in Awneera Shopian in South Kashmir on Sunday. The gunfight also resulted in the death of two soldiers. Post encounter, the clashes erupted in different parts of South Kashmir resulting in the killing of two civilians- Owais Ahmed of Kakapora and Muhammad Sayeed of Zainpora.
Heavy contingent of police and Para-military troopers had been deployed to maintain law and order. Reports said that despite heavy presence of government forces on roads, clashes erupted at Kakapora, Samboora, Shopian and Pulwama town. Government Forces fired tear-smoke shells to disperse stone-throwing protesters.
Three back to back funeral prayers were held for Kakpora civilian Owais Shafi Dar who was killed in pellet firing on Sunday evening. Thousands of people attended his funeral procession. The Zainpora civilian Muhammad Sayeed Bhat was also laid to rest amid pro-freedom slogans.