Shutdown against civilian killings affects normal life in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Muslim majority areas of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday observed complete shutdown to protest the killing of three civilians and a militant, police said.

The call for shutdown was jointly given by separatist groups against the Tuesday's killings.

A local militant was killed fighting Indian troops at village Durbugh in Chadoora of Budgam district, about 22 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday. On the sidelines of gunfight three civilians were killed and over two dozen others wounded during clashes that broke out between locals and government forces.

Police officials said dozens of police and paramilitary troopers were also wounded during clashes.

The shutdown and restrictions have affected normal life in the region. Shops, businesses, offices and educational institutions remained closed in wake of the shutdown. Public transport was also off roads.

Fearing violence, the rail services in the region was suspended and exams at two universities were postponed. Authorities fearing clashes and street protests deployed police and paramilitary in full-strength as a precautionary measure in sensitive areas.

Meanwhile, thousands of people participated in the funeral prayers of slain militant at his ancestral village of Kulgam.

Following the funeral heavy clashes broke out in the area, which were going on until last reports poured in.

Reports of stone pelting and clashes between youth and government forces have been reported from several places.

Police detained a pro-India independent legislator Abdul Rashid Sheikh in Srinagar along with his supporters after he tried to march towards the residence of region's Chief Minister against the killings of three civilians.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris. Irate residents threw stones and brickbats on contingents of police and paramilitary during protests, who respond by firing tear smoke shells, pellets and bullets, which often proves fatal.

People assembling at gunfight sites in support of militants and attacking government forces with stones has evolved as a new phenomenon of resistance in the region. Last month, the Indian army chief General Bipin Rawat warned that "tough action" would be taken against youth throwing stones during counter-insurgency operations. But the anti-India protests and clashes have continued during gunfights. Despite reprimand from police and army to stay away from gunfight sites, people continue to ignore calls and readily defy restrictions.

A separatist movement and guerilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.

Source: Xinhua