Shopian deaths hit life in Kashmir Valley

The Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown on Monday to condemn the deaths of five protesters in Shopian during clashes with security forces on Sunday. The clashes followed the gunning down of five militants.

The authorities closed down all educational institutes in the wake of separatists' call for a protest march towards the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.

“The decision to close down all educational institutes across Kashmir has been taken in view of the prevailing situation in Kashmir,” said Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir) Baseer Ahmad Khan.

Kashmir University has decided to close down the varsity for two days. The varsity’s assistant professor Mohammad Rafi Bhat, 33, was among the five militants killed in Shopian on Sunday.

High-speed mobile phone Interrnet service has been stopped. Train services have also been suspended. There was thin traffic on the roads. Markets, banks and petrol pumps were closed in the morning.

The Srinagar administration imposed curfew like restrictions under Section 144 CrPC in seven police stations, which included Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, M R Gunj, Maisuma and Kralkhud.

Sit-in outside Civil Secretariat

The separatists had also called for “a peaceful sit-in” outside the Civil Secretariat, which is opening after six months as part of the annual shift of capital from Jammu to Srinagar.

“Allah has sent us to Earth to live a good life. Islam doesn’t permit us to embrace death at this [young] age,” said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in a speech made on the inaugural function of the opening of summer capital in Srinagar.

Tension prevailed in the Kashmir Valley for third consecutive day on Monday over 17 deaths, including nine protesters since Saturday in separate militancy-related incidents.