Trucker's death: Kashmir sees shutdown, clashes

Rail services were halted in Kashmir from Banaihal belt while traffic on Jammu-Srinagar highway was also disrupted due to the protests

The Kashmir valley on Monday witnessed a shutdown and clashes between protesters and police as the truck conductor, who succumbed to injuries suffered in a petrol bomb attack in Udhampur, was laid to rest amid tight security.

Dealing with the situation in a tough manner, the government on Monday slapped the Public Safety Act (PSA) on four more people and the number of those arrested in the case rose to nine. Five people were booked under the PSA earlier.

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in various areas of Srinagar, Zahid's home district Anantnag, and some other parts of the Valley. Separatist leaders were put under house arrest as the situation was tense. Normal life was affected in Kashmir Valley due to the strike called by separatists and trade organisations.

Most shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and private educational institutions were shut, while government offices and banks saw thin attendance, officials said.

Rail services were halted in Kashmir from the Banihal belt, while traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway was disrupted.

The Cabinet passed a resolution condemning the  attack and "lauded the people of the state for maintaining peace and calm."

Zahid's body, which was brought here from Delhi in a state aircraft on Sunday, was buried in his village, Batengoo in Anantnag district, amidst sloganeering by mourners, a police official said. During the funeral procession, a youth was seen carrying the Pakistani flag.

The official said the restrictions imposed in Anantnag police station area were eased to allow people to participate in the funeral.

Soon after the funeral, clashes broke out between protesters and police personnel in Anantnag and some adjoining areas, police said.

Public transport vehicles were off the roads while private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws plied at some places, officials said.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who chaired the Cabinet meeting here, moved a resolution condemning the incident.

The Cabinet also approved ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh and a government job to the next of kin of the deceased.

Meanwhile, with the slapping of PSA against four more persons, all the nine people allegedly involved in planning and execution of the attack have been booked, an official said. The truck driver was also injured in the attack and has been hospitalised in Delhi.

All the accused have been shifted to Central Jail at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.