Amid restrictions a complete shutdown was observed in Kashmir Valley and Banihal town against civilian killings on Wednesday. All the shops and business establishments remained shut while educational institutions remained also closed.Thin attendance in government offices and banks were reported. Restrictions have been imposed in seven police station areas of Srinagar — Khanyar, MR Gunj, Safakadal, Rainawari, Kralkhud, Nowhatta and Maisuma.The call for shutdown had been forwarded by Joint Resistance leadership against the unabated civilian killings.Pertinently, after the killing of two militants including LeT commander Abu Dujana, over forty protesters were injured in day long clashes in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Two civilians later on succumbed to their injuries.Reports said that a shutdown was also observed in Banihal town where all shops and business establishments remained shut.
Large contingent of government forces have been deployed in restive Pulwama district to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning a wounded youth breathed his last at SKIMS Soura. Akeel Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Gabarpora Haal village, was injured after government forces opened fire to disperse protesters marching towards the site of gunfight in Hakripora village of the district on Tuesday.He was shifted to District Hospital Pulwama where from he was referred to SKIMS Soura for further treatment. An official at the hospital said that Bhat succumbed early Wednesday.Reports said that massive clashes erupted in Gabarpora village of Pulwama district of south Kashmir after the funeral prayers of Bhat was performed.Witnesses said that men, women and children hurled rocks at forces deployed outside the CRPF camp in Haal village to express their anger at the killing of Akeel Ahmad Bhat.The forces responded by lobbing teargas shells. The pitched battles left many people injured. (CNS)