Restrictions in Srinagar as separatists call for shutdown

The killing of two youths in an army firing in Badgam district triggered the protest shutdown

Restrictions were imposed in some areas of the Srinagar city Wednesday as separatists called for a protest shutdown against the killing of two youths in army firing Badgam district, an official said.

"Restrictions have been imposed today (Wednesday) in Khanyar, Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Safakadal and Nowgam areas to ensure nobody disturbs peace in the city," a senior police officer told IANS here Wednesday.

Separatist leaders, including hardline Syed Ali Geelani, moderate Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, have called for a protest shutdown in the Valley Wednesday against the killing of Faisal Yusuf Bhat and Mehrajuddin Dar in army firing Monday in Chattergam village.

While Geelani is in New Delhi, Malik who is in Anantnag district has been placed under preventive detention and Mirwaiz has been put under house arrest here.

Two youths were also injured in Chattergam army firing Monday. All the four belonged to Nowgam area of Srinagar city.

Senior police officers and the district magistrate of Srinagar has confirmed the four had no militant links.

The army has ordered an enquiry into the firing.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said the firing was avoidable and the incident has cost innocent lives.