Strike call by separatists disrupts normal life in parts of Kashmir

Normal life was paralysed in Kashmir for the second day today on a strike call given by separatists to protest the killings in encounters in Shopian and Anantnag districts on Sunday even as restrictions on movement of people continued to be imposed in three districts and some parts of the city as a precautionary measure, officials said.

There were reports of fresh clashes between protesters and security forces in Kangan area of Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district in which atleast two persons were injured, police said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti asked the security forces to ensure that standard operating procedures were followed and collateral damage avoided while dealing with security situations.

The chief minister was reviewing the overall situation in the Valley in a high-level meeting of officers here, an official spokesman said.

The chief minister impressed upon the officers dealing with security situation to ensure that collateral damage is avoided and all the standard operating procedures (SoPs) in this regard are strictly adhered to, he said.

However, tension continued to prevail in some parts of the state where prohibitory orders were imposed to keep the situation under check.

"Restrictions under section 144 CrPC are in place for the second day in Kulgam and Shopian districts and parts of Anantnag as a precuationary measure to maintain law and order," a police official said.

He said similar restrictions were imposed in five police station areas of the city including Khanyar, Maharajgunj, Nowhatta, Rainawari and Safakadal.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions remained closed for the second day as authorities decided to suspend classwork to prevent any law and order problems.

All examinations to be held today by universities in the valley and educational institutions were postponed.

Shops and other business establishments also remained closed while public transport services were also suspended following a strike call given by separatists.

While some private vehicles could be seen plying in the city, the roads in the outskirts and other towns wore a deserted look.

An official said the situation across the valley was by and large peaceful.

Separatists including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Mailk have called for a strike following the killing of a nearly dozen terrorists in encounters on Sunday. Three Army men and four civilian protestors had also lost their lives in the security operation.

Security forces were deployed in strength at sensitive places across the valley to thwart any untoward incident, the police official said.

While mobile Internet services were restored in the city last night, these services remained suspended in south Kashmir districts.

Clashes occurred between protesters and security forces in Kangan area in which two were injured. Mohammad Amir and Irfan Ahmad were brought to the SKIMS hospital in Soura with injuries to the head and the chest respectively, a police official said.

Another youth from Kangan, injured in similar clashes yesterday, succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital here today.

Protests were reported from some other parts of the state as well.

Meanwhile, a militant and an over-ground worker (OGW) were arrested today by security forces from the Sopore area of Baramulla district, police said.

Parvaiz Ahmad, an active militant, and OGW, identified as Aamir, both residents of the Awantipora area in Pulwama district, were apprehended by security forces from Hygam in the Sopore area of Baramulla district, a police official said.

He said some arms and ammunition were seized from their possession.

Police also recovered the body of a man who was kidnapped by militants in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman said.

"The body of Naseer Ahmed Parray alias Muntazir, who was abducted yesterday by militants at Hajin, has been recovered," the spokesman said.

He said Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the killing of Naseer, who was abducted from his in-laws house last night. Three of his relatives, including two women, were injured by the militants.

The militants barged into house of one Farooq Ahmad Parray last night and opened fire on the inmates.

"The terrorists used knives to cause grievous injuries to wife, daughter and brother of Farooq," the spokesman said.

The injured persons were shifted to a hospital here for treatment.

The spokesman said the militants had killed Farooq's son last year.

"Muzzafar Ahmad Parrey was killed ruthlessly by terrorists last summer. He was first decapitated and then his body was thrown into the river," he added.