Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Feb 13: Normal life was affected in Kashmir today due to a shutdown called by the separatists against the killing of two civilians and four militants in an encounter in Kulgam district of South Kashmir while curfew like restrictions were imposed in parts of South Kashmir.
Shops and commercial establishments remained closed in Srinagar and Public transport was mostly off the roads. However, some vehicles were plying.
Authorities made heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces across Srinagar to prevent any violence. However, there was no restriction on movement of people.
Restrictions were imposed in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district and Shopian town where two civilians were killed yesterday. However, the movement of people was allowed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway passing through south Kashmir.
A police official said that there is no restriction on the movement of people anywhere else in the Valley but security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to keep a tight vigil on anti-social elements.
Police said situation across the South Kashmir remained normal and it was under control. He said there was no curfew, but Section 144 was placed in some areas.
A police spokesman said that the reports circulated on social network sites about the death of an injured person in Kulgam, is false and baseless.
DIG South Kashmir S P Pani said, that some people are giving false information and spreading rumors on WhatsApp groups and on the Facebook pages regarding death of some injured person.
“In this regard, it is clarified that all injured persons are stable and seven injured have been discharged today from district hospital, there is no report of any injured person succumbing. The update is misleading and is as such refuted.”
Reports from all the district headquarters of the Valley said that all shops and business remain off and roads give deserted look. While as in Government offices the attendance was also affected.
Police said that it registered an FIR against rumour mongers spreading false and fabricated stories. Superintendent of Police (SP) Kulgam Shridhar Patil told Excelsior that an FIR No 12 U/S 505 RPC,67 IT ACT has been registered against the accused persons. He appealed people not to give heed to rumors.
From North Kashmir’s Baramulla district that, shutdown was observed and situation remained under control. Authorities have deployed heavy forces to keep tight vigil.
In Kupwara, shutdown was observed, business establishments in Kralpora, Trehgam, Lolab, Kralgund, Langate and Handwara remained closed and roads give deserted look.
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