Srinagar, July 09 (KNS): A complete shutdown is being observed across the Valley to mourn the death of the face of Kashmir militancy and most popular militant, Burhan Muzaffar Wani who was killed in an encounter that raged between forces and militants in Kokernag area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district
All shops and business establishments are closed while the traffic is off the roads. “All petrol pumps are also closed,” witnesses said.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted in several areas across the Valley to mark a protest against the killing of top Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander, Burhan Muzaffar Wani.
According to KNS correspondent, angry youth in the morning hours set on fire a bunker of Border Security Force (BSF) in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district after they offered funeral prayers in absentia for slain Hizb commander Burhan.
“Thousands of people, mostly youth participated in absentia prayers for Burhan,” witnesses said, adding that BSF men resorted to aerial firing and tear smoke shells to disperse the agitated youth.
Meanwhile, massive clashes also erupted in Baramulla town. “Thousands of youth took out a rally to main Chowk where they raised slogans to eulogise Wani,” reports said.
Later, the protesters marched towards the Tehsil road where they attacked a police station with rocks.
Police and paramilitary forces swung into action and pushed the protesters towards Cement Bridge where massive clashes are still ongoing.
Burhan who was killed in gunfight with forces in Bumdoora village of Kokernag in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district had joined Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, a militant outfit in the year 2010.
Meanwhile, massive protests were in Kaimoh and adjoining villages of Khudwani and Redwani in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Witnesses said that in Islamabad town, the protesters have defied curfew at several places.
“Masjids are reverberating with pro-freedom and pro-Burhan slogans,” they said, adding that reports of massive protests have also been received from Seer, Mattan, Kokernag and other Kulgam villages.
Clashes erupted between youth and forces in Masiuma area of Srinagar city. “Protesters mostly youth took to streets and pelted stones on forces who later disbursed to tear smoke shells to disperse the youth,” witnesses said.
Witnesses said that clashes are ongoing in Humhama area of Budgam district. “Youth tried to offer funeral procession in absentia for Hizb commander but forces foiled it,” witnesses said.
They said that Police also resorted to tear smoke shells to disperse the youth who were throwing stone on them.
Reports of clashes were also reported from Hyderpora area.
Meanwhile, at least 13 youth were injured during the clashes between youth and forces in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
According to KNS correspondent, “13 youth resident of Baramula and different areas of Sopore were injured during the clashes. They were shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore for treatment. All the injured were later discharged,” he said, adding that SSP and other senior officials are on the spot and are monitoring the situation.
In Bumai area of Sopore, people also took to streets and raised pro-freedom slogans. “After Zuhr prayers, people assembled in the area and offered funeral procession in absentia for Burhan,” witnesses said. (KNS)