Shutdown observed in Kashmir

The call for the shutdown was given by almost all the separatist groups against the Chattergam killings.

Life was affected in Srinagar city as education and business establishments remained shut.

According to police spokesman, restrictions were imposed in several areas of Srinagar, falling under police stations Khanyar, Nowhatta, Mahraj Gunj, Rainawari, Safakadal and Nowgam.

Normal life was completely disrupted in the curfew bound areas.

Sources said that the police and the CRPF men, armed with anti-riot gear, were deployed in strength across Srinagar and other sensitive areas of other districts.

According to reports, most of the shops remained open in certain parts of uptown in Srinagar city while private transport plied smoothly on roads.

In Kulgam, angry youth were demanding stern punishment to the government forces who were involved in the killing of two boys hailing from Nowgam.

Youths pelted stones at the police and the CRPF personnel, reports said.

The security personnel did not retaliate.

According to sources, at least three persons were injured during the clashes in Kulgam.

Partial shutdown was observed in south Kashmir's Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian districts while in North Kashmir life in Handwara
town was normal, however shutdown was observed in Sopore and Baramulla, reports said.

In Ganderbal and Kangan, shops and other business centers remained open and transport was on the roads.

Meanwhile a senior police officials told IBNS that situation remained peaceful all across Kashmir and no untoward incident was
reported from any part of the Valley.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)