Srinagar: A shutdown is being observed in Kashmir Valley to protest against the unabated killings of civilians by the government forces.
Four civilians including a minor girl were killed in past our days alone. Official records suggest that at least 106 civilians were killed in forces action near encounter sites since January 2017.
Markets, public transport and other businesses are mainly shut in the valley. All educational institutions are closed and some examinations scheduled for the day stand postponed.
Train services between north Kashmir’s Baramulla town and Banihal town were suspended. Mobile internet services remained also suspended in most parts of the south Kashmir.
The call for the shut down has been given by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) against “snatching our young ones” under the ongoing military operation against militants.
Paying rich tributes to Ubaid Manzoor Lone (Nadihal Baramula) Tamseel Ahmad (Shopian and recently martyrs Andleeb Ali, Shakir Ahmad Khandey, Irshad Ahmad and martyrs of Shopian encounter, the JRL expressed deep concern over these heart wrenching incidents.
The JRL comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik blamed Indian authorities and their forces for “merciless killings” saying “their approach is haughty and aimed at snatching our young and budding souls.”
