The normal life was disrupted in Kashmir Valley on Monday following a shutdown call by separatists to protest against the killing of two youngsters in north Kashmir’s Sumbal pocket of Baramulla district. The authorities have ordered investigation into the killings and a case of murder has been registered against the Army.
The authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions in Sumbal and adjoining villages to prevent any untoward incident. Massive protests were held in the area on Sunday following the killing of two youngsters. The protesters attempted to set ablaze a goodwill school set up by the Army at Sumbal while pitched battles were fought with protesters in Bandipora town.
locals alleged that troops of Rashtriya Rifles killed 18-year-old Irfan Ahmad Ganai and 23-year-old Tariq Ahmad laharwal in a series of events at Markandal village in Sumbal area. Ganai was killed when the Army and police had cordoned off the area to track down militants. He had gone towards the cowshed near his house when soldiers hit him with a rifle butt and later shot him with two bullets. He died instantly. Ganai, his relatives say, had mistaken that cattle-lifters have entered their premises. The incidents of cattle-lifting have been rampant in the area for past several months.
laharwal was shot dead by the troops when the villagers held protest demonstrations against Ganai’s killing in the village.
Sources said that a Brigadier level officer has been asked to probe the incident and report to the Army brass in minimum possible time.
Major Gen RR Nimbhorkar General officer Commanding of Victor Force, a counter-insurgency division of the Army operating in south Kashmir and parts of north and Central Kashmir, has expressed sadness over the deaths and assured strict action against soldiers, if found guilty.
Both factions of separatist Hurriyat Conference, JKlF and High Court Bar Association had called for a shutdown against the killings.
Shops, business establishments, banks, courts and educational institutions remained closed on Monday while attendance was recorded minimum in Government offices. Most of the separatist leaders have been put under house arrest.
However, the shutdown had no impact on the movement of tourists and Amarnath pilgrims.