SRINAGAR: A spontaneous shutdown, protests erupts across Kashmir valley to mourn the killing of Hizb commander Sabzar Bhat in an encounter with security forces in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday.
Reports reaching from major towns and districts of valley said that soon after the news of Sabzar’s killing spreads shopkeepers lowered their shutters and public transport disappeared from the roads.
Students took to streets in several areas of Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, where a spontaneous shutdown is being observed in the district.
Similar reports of shutdown were received from Budgam district as well where protests were held in Beerwah town.
Clashes were also reported from Rathsuna of Pulwama, parts of Shopian, Anantnag, Srinagar, Sopore and Kupwara.
Intense clashes were reported in several parts of Pampore town along Srinagar-Jammu Highway.
Reports said that at least thirty-five persons were injured in Anantnag district during clashes with security forces.
In Kupwara chaos erupted as news of Sabzar’s killing spread in the town. Eyewitnesses said that police were chasing youth who attempted to protest. They said people were seen running to safety.
The news of killings triggered shutdown in Trehgam and Kralpora villages of Kupwara. Sources said minor clashes erupted in Kralpora which affected the movement of traffic.
In Srinagar protests erupted in old city areas after the news of Sabzar’s killing broke out. Youth assembled and chanted pro-freedom slogans. Minor clashes also occurred at Lal chowks Red-Cross Road. Youth pelted stones towards the banker at Srinagar’s Telegraph office. A contingent of police swung into action and chased them away. Following the clashes, traffic thinned on roads and Shopkeepers downed their Shutters.
Pertinently, Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Sabzar Bhat who succeeded slain militant, leader Burhan Wani, was killed on Saturday along with another militant in a gunfight with forces in Tral that triggered protests in the Kashmir Valley.
Meanwhile internet services were blocked in Kashmir valley to prevent protests against the killing of top Hizb commander Sabzar Bhat .The suspension of the Internet came a day after the state government lifted a month-long ban on at least 22 social networking websites.
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