Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 28: Kashmir valley today observed shutdown in response to a strike called by Hurriyat Conference to protest against the killing of seven militants in Kupwara district early this week.
Shops, business establishments were closed in and around the commercial hub of Lal Chowk here, while Government offices and banks witnessed thin attendance.
Public transport was off the roads while private vehicles, cabs and auto rickshaws plied normally.
Reports of a shutdown being observed were also received from other districts of the Valley, with police and paramilitary CRPF deployed at sensitive places to prevent protests.
Hurriyat Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani had called for a complete shutdown and peaceful protests after Friday prayers against what he called the “mysterious killings of seven persons” in Kupwara.
Geelani had also demanded an independent investigation into the incident.
Seven unidentified militants, all believed to be foreigners, were killed in an encounter with Army and police in Dardpora forests of Lolab on Monday.
Separatists, including Umar Farooq and Shabir Ahmad Shah were put under house arrest by the authorities.
JKLF supporters led by its chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik took out a protest march at Maisuma here in the afternoon. Police filed their march and detained around one dozen supports including Malik.
Police said the situation remained normal throughout the Valley today. “However, stray incidents of stone pelting were reported from Rajouri Kadal in Srinagar, Naid Khai and Hajan in Bandipora. There are no reports of injury to anyone, so far,” a police spokesman said.
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