Day 2: Kashmir shuts militant, civilian killings

Srinagar: A complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir Valley against killing spree.
The call for shutdown was forwarded by Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik.
All business establishments and educational institutions remained shut at a day when Srinagar Civil Secretariat opened up after a six months in summer capital.
Five militants and five civilians were killed on Sunday in Forces action prompting authorities to impose restrictions and suspended mobile internet in almost all the districts of Kashmir.
From past three days, 18 persons including 8 militants and equal number of civilians died across Valley in different militancy related incidents.
Authorities had imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar city to thwart protests against these killings. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was detained after he tried to carry out a march towards Civil Secretariat.
A complete shutdown was observed in Ganderbal the native district of Assistant Professor Dr Rafi who was one among the five militants killed in Shopian on Sunday. Large number of people thronged his house and expressed sympathies with bereaved family. Locals alleged that police arrested five youth, all residents of Kangan when they were returning home after offering funeral prayers of the slain militant Rafi Ahmed.
Stone-pelting incidents occurred at few places in Ganderbal district.
Clashes erupt in Newa Pulwama where agitated youth pelted stones on Para-military troopers. Witnesses said that youth took to roads and pelted stones on 182 Battalion camp of CRPF. The troopers retaliated with tear-smoke shells. The clashes continued for hours.
Clashes also erupted at Kakapora Pulwama when youth stoned police station Kakapora.
Reports from South Kashmir’s Shopian said that district wore a deserted look while massive security arrangements were put in place to maintain law and order. Thousands of people participated in the last rites of two slain militants Sadam Paddar and Bilal Molvi at Heff Shermal where youth carried out a pro-freedom march.
According to reports shutdown was observed in all 10 districts of Kashmir Valley including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora.
Jammu’s Banihal town also observed shutdown against Kashmir killings
Reports said that a complete shutdown was observed in Banihal town of Jammu’s Ramban district over ‘killing spree’ in Kashmir Valley.
Reports added all the shops, other business establishment and schools remain closed in solidarity with the people of Valley.