Kashmir shuts over Rizwan’s ‘custodial killing’

Srinagar: Life in Kashmir came to a grinding halt on Wednesday as a complete shutdown was observed against the alleged custodial killing of an academic Rizwan Ahmad of Awantipora on Wednesday.
The call for shutdown was given by Joint Resistance Leadership comprising of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik.
Authorities imposed restrictions in old city to thwart any protests and Pro Freedom rallies. Reports said heavy contingent of forces have been deployed in downtown putting restrictions on public movement.
All the business establishments are closed, various schools are closed and traffic is off the roads. Reports said that shutdown was also observed in all the district headquarters in the Valley including Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam and others as well.
Locals of Awantipora claimed that there forces were deployed in large number in the area as people thronged to the residence of Rizwan. Mobile internet was throttled in various areas while it was suspended in district Anantnag Tuesday evening.
District Magistrate Baramulla has ordered that class work shall remain suspended in all the educational institutions including colleges of the District Wednesday.
Rizwan Ahmad, son of Asadullah Pandith of Awantipora died in police custody after he was arrested for questioning in militancy related case. Reports said that the family is associated with Jamat e Islami and his father, Asadullah Pandit is a member of the organisation. JeI has been declared unlawful and most of their leadership has been jailed.
Rizwan’s body was handed over to the family late Tuesday night and thousands participated in his last rites before he was laid to rest amid massive pro freedom, pro Islam and Pro Pakistan sloganeering.