Complete strike on the call of resistance leadership was observed in Kashmir region on Friday to protest the killings of three militants and two civilians during gunfights while anti-India clashes erupted at several places.According to GNS correspondent, hundreds of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personal in riot gear and armed with assault rifles were deployed across the Old City areas falling under five police station including Khanyar, Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta and Khanyar.There were however no restrictions on the movement of general public in Old City but as soon as time for Friday prayers neared, police locked up the gates of Jamia Masjid to prevent Friday prayers as it apprehended widespread protests after prayers. The persons coming towards Jamia Masjid were stopped at multiple places by Government forces.In summer capital Srinagar, almost all the shops, commercial establishments and were closed in the Civil Lines areas of the City.
The government offices and banks recorded low attendance. The public transport was mostly off the roads and fewer private vehicles were plying amid snow and rainfall.The day in summer capital passed off peacefully but reports of stone-pelting and anti-India protests were recieved from Zainakote area of HMT after Friday prayers. Reports reaching here said forces used teargas shells against the protesters. Reports of minor stone-pelting was also received from Old City this evening.Reports of shutdown were received from all the districts of valley against Thursday killings in Padgampura area of Pulwama district and in Bandipora Town of north Kashmir. Braving snowfall and chill, thousands of people attended the funeral prayers of slain militant at Malangam village of Bandipora district.The mourners shouted anti-India, pre-Islam and pro-Azadi slogans during and after the funeral. The slain militant namely Mushtaq Ahmad was laid to rest amid sobs and tears in local martyrs graveyard, reports said.
According to reports, clashes erupted at Bandipora and in Hajin after Friday prayers against the killings.Reports of massive protests and clashes were also received from volatile Sopore Town of north Kashmir's Baramulla district. These reports said soon after Friday prayers, scores of youth took to streets outside Jama Masjid Sopore and staged anti-India protests. They also pelted stones and bricks on government forces, ensuing clashes. The police used dozens of tear smoke shells against the protesters.The volatile Tahab village of Pulwama district, despite heavy rain and snow, witnessed intense clashes in the day between forces and youth. The police and CRPF retaliated by firing teargas and pepper gas shells towards rock throwing youth.Meanwhile, the Banihal Baramulla rail services remained suspended today in view of prevailing situation. The authorities placed key resistance leaders under house arrest while second rung leadership was detained police stations. A police spokesman said day passed off peacefully in Kashmir.(GNS)