The normal life came to a grinding halt in Kashmir on Sunday in the wake of shutdown called by separatists against the killing of two terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen and a civilian protester and subsequent imposition of curfew and restrictions by the authorities in several sensitive localities of Kashmir.
Top-ranking Hizb terrorist Sabzar Ahmad Bhat alias Soba Don, an aide of Burhan Wani was killed along-with his associate Faizaan Bhat, by a patrolling party of police and Rashtriya Rifles during 16-hour gun-battle at Saimoh village in Tral sub-district. Don was active in the area for last two years and was categorised as the top raking terrorist of A-category with a bounty of Rs10 lakh on his head.
Police said that the situation remained “under control”, barring minor incidents of stone pelting at a few places. Thousands of people took part in his funeral prayers at Rathsuna village in Tral.
The divisional administration had imposed curfew in Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, MR Gunj, Rainawari, Kralkhud and Maisuma police station areas, while restrictions under section 144 in towns to prevent protests. Mobile internet and phone services were suspended in south Kashmir by the authorities.
Clashes broke out in Meemander in Shopian and Warpora in Sopore, Trehgam in Kupwara as security forces fired teargas shells on protesters to disperse them, while the protesters pelted stones towards the forces, triggering clashes.
The separatists have called for shutdown for Sunday and Monday against the killing of the terrorists and the civilian, and ‘Tral March’ on Tuesday.
The authorities had deployed huge contingents of police and paramilitary forces across the valley to enforce strict restrictions. Major roads in towns leading to Tral were sealed with coils of concertina.
Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Muneer Khan, said that the situation was under control throughout the day as police and security forces were deployed in the valley to maintain law and order.
“Restrictions were imposed in jurisdictions of seven police stations and in districts to maintain law and order. Except for the minor stone pelting incidents took place in Shopian, Warpora, and Tahab, situation remained under control,” Khan said.