Rajnath Singh appeals to maintain peace in J-K amid tension over Wani's encounter

In the wake of a violent protest that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen district commander Burhan Wani and two others by the security forces leaving eight people killed, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace and tranquility.

"I appeal to the people of Kashmir to maintain peace and tranquility and uphold law and order in the state." Singh told the media here.

He further said that it is difficult to find amicable solution if the situation persists.

"If peace and tranquility is not maintained then it will be very difficult for the people to find solution," he added.

Normal life across the valley has been affected in response to a joint shutdown call by the separatists' against the killing of Wani and his two associates.

Mobile internet services were suspended in the Jammu region in the wake of protests.

The militants were killed in an encounter in south Kashmir's Kokernag area of Anantnag district on Friday.

The Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have described his killing as 'blow to militancy and major success for the security forces.

In view of the shutdown call by the separatists, the authorities have imposed curfew in Pulwama district and other areas in south Kashmir.

The restrictions are also in place in old city areas under six police stations in Srinagar.

The mobile - internet and train services have been suspended. The Amarnath yatra has also been suspended as of now.

Protests broke out yesterday as Wani's funeral was carried out despite the curfew.