SRINAGAR Kashmir Valley observed a shutdown called by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) against what it described as the brutal killings of about 18 Kashmiris in last 3 days and injuries to hundreds by the indiscriminate use of bullets, pellets and other oppressive measures by Indian forces.
Reports said that all shops and business establishments remained closed in major towns including the capital Srinagar, while public transport was thin in response to the shutdown call. There was also a thin attendance of employees in government offices, reports said.
The stringent security measures were put in place in most parts of the areas in downtown here and other sensitive parts across south Kashmir.
However, despite heightened security, groups of youth hit streets at footbridge Parimpora, Chotabazar, Karan Nagar, Sabzi Mandi Soura, Shah Mohalla Nawabazar, Police Station Sopore, Keunsoo Bandipora and other places and staged pro-freedom demonstrations, said.
The protesters pelted stones on government forces who responded by lobbing tear smoke shells to disperse the youth. However, no one was reported seriously hurt in the pitched battles that continued for several hours, they said.
Reports from south Kashmir said that paramilitary CRPF men and police were deployed in strength in the four districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag to prevent people from holding protests, even as all commercial establishments remained closed.
With apprehensions of protests against the killings, the train service between Srinagar to Banihal and Srinagar to Baramulla was suspended on Monday.
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