Kashmir shuts against ‘killing spree’, Normal life freezes for full day

Srinagar: Life across Kashmir Valley was disrupted on Monday in wake of the shutdown called by Joint Resistance leadership against the “killing spree”. Over 20 people including 17 militants have been killed in last four days
In Kashmir capital Srinagar, all shops, educational institutions, banks and fuel stations remained closed in response to the shutdown called by JRL, witnesses said. The strike also witnessed thin flow of traffic on the otherwise busy roads of this capital city.
In Srinagar’s Old City, restrictions were clamped to foil any protests against the Kulgam killings. In Nowhatta, Rajouri Kadal, Saraf Kadal, Maharaj Gunj, Gojwara, Khanyar, Safa Kadal and other areas of the Old City, government forces were keeping a tight vigil to keep protesters at bay, witnesses said. At many places, forces have laid razor wire to restrict movement of people.
Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Geelani continued to remain under house arrest. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also continues to remain under house arrest. The house arrests were made to foil the possible protests against the civilian killings.
Reports of a complete shutdown were also been received from other major towns of north, south and central Kashmir. These include Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Tral, Pampore, Awantipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Beerwah, Narbal, Chadoora, Pakharpora, Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla, Ajas, Hajin, Sumbal, Kangan, Handwara and Langate.
Funeral prayers in absentia were offered for the slain militants and civilians at different places in Kashmir Valley.
Pertinently, on Sunday, six militants, a soldier and a civilian were killed in Batagund Shopian while post encounter clashes resulted in the injuries of scores of people.