Shutdown in Kashmir Valley over Hafizullah's killing

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) headed by separatist leaders, Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Dr Mohammad Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, called for a complete shutdown on Thursday to protest against the killing of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader Mir Hafizullah by unidentified gunmen in Anantnag.

Due to the shutdown call, most of the shops and business establishments remained closed in Kashmir Valley. JRL has also planned peaceful protests on Friday after the prayers, informed the leaders. Security forces are on high alert across the Valley to foil any untoward incident and maintain law and order situation.

Mir Hafizullah was shot by unidentified gunmen in Achabal area of south Kashmir on Tuesday.

"Indian rulers through their local collaborators have always played beastic role of eliminating political activists, who raise their voice against this unholy and unjustified forced occupation," said JRL in a statement issued to the press.

JRL stated in the statement that Mir was a highly educated, sensible and visionary pro-freedom leader and his sincerity, dedication, and sacrifices have earned him a distinguished place and status in the state political circles, especially south Kashmir.

"In 2016, he played a pivotal and central role for about five months to sustain that movement and gave a very tough time to the government forces and finally they trapped him in a deceitful manner," alleged the JRL.