Amid spontaneous shutdown, restrictions and internet gag, thousands of people participated in funeral prayers of two Hizb ul Mujahedeen militants in north Kashmir’s frontier Kupwara district.While Zahoor Ahmad Mir, a resident of Thayan, Kalaroos was buried late Thursday night, Bilal Ahmad Shah, a resident of Shatmuqam, was laid to rest on Friday morning.Despite restrictions, people from all neighbouring villages reached Shatmuqam, Lolab in the morning where they participated in funeral prayers of Bilal Ahmad Shah.A large contingent of forces was deployed in Kupwara town, Trehgam and other parts including Lolab areas since morning to prevent protests against the killing of militants in a brief shootout at Khumriyal area on Thursday.Besides restrictions in Lolab areas, authorities had imposed Section 144 CrPc in Kupwara town and had sealed all the entry and exit points leading to Lolab sector.Meanwhile, a complete shutdown was observed in most parts of the frontier district including Trehgam, Kalaroos, Kupwara Town and Lolab areas.All shops and other business establishments remained closed in most parts of the border district while public transport was off the roads. The educational institutions including schools and colleges remained closed in Handwara and Kupwara.An official of the administration said the decision of closure of schools and colleges was taken as a precautionary measure.Authorities also snapped internet services since Thursday in the frontier district.Meanwhile, reports of protests and clashes were received from Lalpora, Khumriyal, Thayan, Kalaroos and Cherkote areas after Friday prayers.Police and paramilitary CRPF used tear smoke shells in these areas.A police officer, however, said the situation remained under control throughout the day in the district. (GNS)