Thousands of people participated in the last rites of four militants killed in a fierce encounter at Arwani area of Bijbehara town in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district yester night.The slain included Sahir Makroo of Arwani, Owais Ahmad Lone from Hawora-Mishpora area of Kulgam district, Muzamil Magray of Watoo Aharbal and Amir Tantray of Damal Hanjipora Kulgam.Reports said that two civilians sustained bullet injuries while ten others suffered wounds in Hawora village of South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday morning.Reports said that thousands of people participated in the last rites of slain local militant Owais Ahmed who was one among the four militants killed in Arwani area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district yester night.Eyewitnesses informed that shortly after the culmination of funeral prayers clashes erupted in Haworah and Redwani village. Youth pelted stones on deployed forces who retaliated with tear smoke shells and pellets.
Witnesses added that as the clashes intensified, Forces used live ammunition resulting in the injuries of two youth whom locals identified as Faizan Rashid and Abid Rasool.Local sources said besides Faizan and Abid who suffered bullet injuries many others were injured too.A police official denied the reports that anyone sustained a bullet injury. Reports said that tens of thousands of people participated in the last rites of all the four militants. Back to back funeral prayers were offered in their favour while at DH Pora, a large number of youth pelted stones on deployed forces who retaliated with tear-smoke shells. Over a dozen protesters suffered injuries during the clashe. All the shops and business establishments remained shut while educational institutions didn’t function in wake of the spontaneous shutdown in the four districts of South Kashmir. Skeletal movement of transport was observed on the roads. Reports said that roads in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam were deserted. (CNS)