Shutdown in Shopian, Anantnag over militants killings
Mudasir Maqbool/Sameer Ahmad
Shopian/Anantnag: A complete shutdown is being observed in parts of south Kashmir including Shopian and Anantnag over the killing of top Al-Badr militant commander Zeenat-ul-Islam and his associate Shakeel Ahmad Dar on weekend.
In Shopian, the native district of Islam, there is a complete shutdown for the second running day with all shops and other business establishments closed while as public transport remained off the roads.
Despite bone chilling cold, a large number of people were seen visiting the graves of the slain to offer prayers. People also visited their residences of Islam and Shakeel in Sugan and Chillpora villages respectively to offer condolences with the family.
Mobile internet services including 2G,3G and 4G still remained barred in the Shopian district.
Meanwhile, a spontaneous shutdown is being observed in Anantnag district also. Clashes between government forces and youth also erupted in main town Anantnag.
On Saturday, Zeenat-ul-Islam alias Dr Usman and his associate Shakeel Ahmad Dar were caught unawares as Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles personnel came in sumo vehicles and cordoned off the kathpora village in Yaripora.
The SOG of J&K Police and the CRPF joined the army before encounter with the hiding militants was established, officials said. There was a brief exchange of fire, leading to the killing of Zeenat-ul-Islam (30), listed in police records as category A++ militant and carried a bounty of Rs 12.5 lakh on his head.
On Sunday, there were rounds of funerals were offered for both the militants. At Sugan, govern forces opened fire and used pellets against mourners as a result of which at least 13 persons were injured.
Meanwhile, life limped back to normal in Pulwama including Tral town.
