Srinagar, Dec 16 (KNS): A complete shutdown was on Sunday observed across the Valley while as restrictions were imposed in Srinagar areas to thwart any possible protest called by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) against the Pulwama killings.
Seven civilians were killed in post gunfight clashes following the killing of three militants in an encounter in Sirnoo village of Pulwama on Saturday, which also led to killing of one Army trooper who had sustained injuries in the gunfight and later succumbed to his injuries.
The shutdown was called by Joint Resistance leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik against the Pulwama killing on Saturday.
According to KNS correspondent, all the shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutes remained closed while as the traffic was also off the roads throughout the day.
Besides, the authorities had also imposed restrictions under Section 144 CrPc in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and six police station areas of Srinagar.
Officials told KNS that restrictions have been imposed in Srinagar areas falling under the jurisdiction of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, M R Gunj and Maisuma police stations, saying curbs have been imposed as a ‘precautionary measure’ to maintain law and order.
Witnesses said that a large contingent of police and paramilitary troopers were deployed on the roads here in restriction bound areas who had also erected temporary barricades to halt the vehicular as well as pedestrians movement.
They said that the forces arrived in the restriction bound areas in the wee hours today and vacated in the evening hours.
Sources said that minor stone pelting incidents were reported in few areas through the Valley.
A top police officer told KNS that the situation across the Valley remained peaceful and under control throughout the day.
Meanwhile, deserted Army man-turned-Hizb militant, Zahoor Thoker who was illed along with two associates on Saturday’s encounter in Sirnoo village was today laid to rest at his native village amid pro-freedom slogans.
According to KNS correspondent, six rounds of funeral prayers were offered for slain Zahoor.
Zahoor unlike his two associates and seven slain civilians was not buried on Saturay evening.
People in large number thronged to Sirnoo village to participate in the last rites Zahoor Thoker.
Meanwhile, the mobile internet services that were snapped on Saturday afternoon continue to remain suspended. However, users said that the internet services were restored in the evening and was again suspended on Sunday morning here.
The services remain suspended till the report was last filed.
Meanwhile, the train services from Baramulla to Banihal remained suspended for the second straight day here as ‘security reasons’. Officials told KNS that the train services will continue to remain suspended on Monday as a ‘security reason’.
Notably, reports reaching to KNS said that a complete shutdown is also being observed in Chenab Valley’s Banihal, Khari, Bhadarwah, Doda, Thathri, Gandoh and Kishtwar areas against civilian killings.
It is worth to mention here that the JRL has for a three-day shutdown across the Valley and a protest march towards Badami Bagh Army Cantonment on Monday.
In view of the JRL’s march and restrictions on Monday, the traffic police here issued an advisory, saying that traffic will not be allowed to ply on Pantha Chowk?Sonwar? Dalgate road stretch. (KNS)