life remained crippled in capital Srinagar and several other towns of Kashmir Valley on Tuesday in protest against the killing of a youngster in north Kashmir’s Sopore town in the aftermath of an encounter between security forces and lashkar-e-Tayyeba militants.
Twenty-two-year-old Arshid Ahmad Shah died when police resorted to firing to disperse a swelling mob demanding body of slain Pakistani militant. Four protesters were wounded in the firing.
Factions of Hurriyat Conference and other separatist groups called for shutdown to protest against the killing. The authorities imposed curfew in the volatile town. The authorities have decided to review the restrictions on Wednesday afternoon in the sensitive town.
Shops and business establishments remained closed in most parts of the Valley and public transport was skeletal. Private vehicle plied normally but the shutdown had an impact on the working of Government offices. Educational institutions, banks and courts were mostly dysfunctional.
The authorities put senior separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest. JKlF leader Yasin Maik, who was arrested on Monday while attempting to march towards lal Chowk was shifted to Central Jail.
The ruling NC and Opposition PDP condemned the killing and demanded stern action against the cops involved in firing on protesters. Police said that miscreants attempted stone-pelting at several places in old Srinagar but they were chased away.