Pulwama shuts to mourn the death of two militants

Pulwama: People observed a complete shutdown in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district to mourn the death of two militants.
Shariq Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Takuna Gulzarpora and Shabir Ahmed (Showkat) of Mehind Bhijbehra were killed in a gun-battle at Tahab village of Pulwama district.
Reports said that a complete shutdown was observed in Pulwama, Awantipora, Tahab, Tral and its adjoining areas.
All shops and business establishments remained closed while thin movement of public transport was observed on the roads.
Reports added that as a precautionary measure, heavy deployment of government forces had been made in Tral, Awantipora and Pulwama areas.
Railway authorities suspended the train services between Srinagar and Banihal for the day.
Mourners from various areas thronged the homes of slain militant to express solidarity with their families.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted between civilian and forces in Keller area of Shopian district in southern part of Kashmir afternoon after the forces launched Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the area, reports said.
Earlier, acting on a tip off about the presence of militants in Batpora village at Keller, forces laid a cordon.
Locals, immediately after the cordon, took to streets and pelted stones on forces which retaliated with teargas shelling to disperse the protesters.