Separatist shutdown affects life in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar: A shutdown called by separatists on Monday affected life across the Kashmir Valley with heavy security deployed here and other vulnerable places.

The Valley-wide protest shutdown was by the Joint Residence Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik against continuing civilian killings in Kashmir.

One civilian, Yawar Ahmad Dar was killed on Sunday in clashes with the security forces during an anti-militancy operation in Kulgam district while Shahid Hajam, who was injured in Srigufwara area of Anantnag last week succumbed in a hospital.

Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces were deployed in old city and uptown areas of Srinagar without imposing any restrictions.

Shops, public transport, other business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in Srinagar city and other district headquarters of the Valley.

Rail services between Baramulla and Bannihal towns have been suspended as a precautionary measure.

Internet services have also been suspended in south Kashmir areas.

IANS