Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 30: A spontaneous shutdown was observed in Pulwama and Kulgam districts of South Kashmir while clashes broke out at various places including here in Old City against the killings of Lashkar-e-Toiba top commander Abu Qasim and other militants.
Shops and commercial establishments were closed in Pulwama and Kulgam districts against the killing of two local Hizbul Mujahideen militants and Abu Qasim. While as Pulwama is on strike since last three days, Kulgam observed shutdown after LeT commander, Abu Qasim, was killed yesterday by security forces.
Though the overall situation remained peaceful in both the districts, but clashes broke out between protesters at Bogam, Khandaypora and Tral areas after Friday prayers. Police fired teargas shells to disperse the demonstrators. There was no report of injury to anyone at these places.
Violence erupted at Nowhatta area of Old City here after scores of youths took to streets holding flags of Islamic State and Pakistan and pictures of Hizb commander Burhan Wani. The youths raised slogans and offered funeral-in-absentia for slain Lashkar commander Abu Qasim near Jama Masjid gate in the area.
Prior and after the funeral, intense stone-throwing clashes erupted between security forces and youths in area. The police resorted to heavy teargas shelling and also used pepper grenades in a bid to disperse the protesters. But, the adamant protesters continued pelting stones and clashes continued for several hours.
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