Shutdown in Valley against killing of civilians, militants
On strike call given by separatist groups, most shops, other commercial establishments were closed while public transport remains off road
SRINAGAR: A shutdown was witnessed in the Valley on Monday in the wake of a strike call given by separatist groups against the killing of 19 people, including 16 militants, in the last six days.
Most of the shops and other commercial establishments were closed while public transport remained off roads. Additional troops were deployed in sensitive areas to prevent protest rallies and maintain law and order, officials said.
The train service between Baramulla and Banihal was also suspended by the authorities.
Separatists leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik — under the banner of the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) — had on Sunday asked people to observe a shutdown on Monday to protest the killings in the valley.
Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that 17 Kashmiris were killed in last three days and “mayhem has been let loose by forces in Batgund of Shopian”.
“Bullets fired, civilians killed, while dozens grievously injured as pellets rain on them! Even 20 month old Baby Hiba Nisar hit by pellets in her eyes! Urgent appeal for help to stop this genocide,” tweeted Mirwaiz.
On Saturday, a candlelight vigil protest was held in the city on the call of the separatist leadership alleging a killing spree in the Valley. Preventive measures were taken at different places to stop protests against the recent killings.
On November 26, four militants were killed in the Shopian encounter. Two days later, six militants were killed in Bijbhera encounter soon after army and police launched a joint operation in the area.
On November 24, six militants were gunned down in Batgund of south Kashmir’s Shopian district in an encounter. A civilian and a local armyman were also killed.
In all, in three encounters since Saturday, 16 militants, a civilian and an army soldier have been killed.