Though curfew, restrictions and shutdown continues on 26th day in Kashmir, protests were held at various places against the civilian killings in Kashmir while the Banihal residents also started a four day shutdown today to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.A police official told KNS that curfew was imposed in Kulgam and Pulwama while restrictions were imposed in several other areas including parts of Srinagar to thwart any possible protests against the civilian killings in Kashmir.A large contingent of forces including Police and CRPF troopers were deployed and had erected barricades on roads to thwart any possible protests by the people.The separatist leaders had called for sit-in protests across Kashmir today.Meanwhile, Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani and Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led the sit-in protests outside their respective houses.Syed Ali Geelani along with activists of an amalgam held a sit-in on the road outside its office in Hyderpora in Srinagar. They were carrying placards displaying ‘Stope genocide in Kashmir, We want freedom’
Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq staged a sit-in outside his Nageen residence here.Mirwaiz and his supporters were carrying placards stating “stop state terrorism” and “stop killing Kashmiris.”Meanwhile, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Chattabal area after the funeral prayers of slain Chattabal youth who according to family was killed by forces was held at Idgah Srinagar.Witnesses said that forces resorted to tear smoke shells to disperse the people who were on way to Chattabal from Eidgah near Safa Kadal Bridge who in return pelted stones on them.Meanwhile, forces intercepted mass public rally in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, reports said.Reports said that hundreds of people from Kulgam villages were on way to Damhal Hanji Pora for a mass rally and were intercepted by the forces.Reports said that scores of protesters were injured by pellets fired by CRPF and police on the protesters.
Meanwhile, clashes also erupted between youth and forces in Warpora area of Sopore town.Reports said that the clashes in Warpora area of Sopore were ongoing till late evening while several among the protesters were injured.Meanwhile, a complete shutdown was observed in Banihal town and its adjoining areas to express solidarity with Kashmiri people.All the shops and business establishments remained closed while the traffic was thin on roads throughout the day.Beopar Mandal Banihal and Imam of central Jamia Masjids Banihal had called shutdown for four days against the civilian killings and continued curfew in Kashmir valley and had also said that they will follow the strike programmes of separatist leadership.Meanwhile, the residents of Bhaderwah observing complete shutdown against the civilian killings in Kashmir while the residents of Rajouri held protest and observed shutdown against the civilian killings in Kashmir. (KNS)