Protest shutdown, restrictions affect life in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, Feb 15: A separatist shutdown and official restrictions on Monday has adversely affected life in the Kashmir Valley.

Police said restrictions were imposed in areas falling under the jurisdiction of six police stations in Srinagar to maintain law and order.

"Restrictions have been imposed in the areas of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R.Gunj, Safakadal and Maisuma," a senior police official said here.

Heavy police and paramilitary forces in full riot gear have been deployed in Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Badgam, Shopian, Sopore and Baramulla.

Separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik have called for a Valley wide protest shutdown against the deaths of two youths in Pulwama district on Sunday.

Danish Rashid Mir, 19, of Ratnipora village and 22-year-old Shaista Hamid were killed when security forces fired at a group of protesters attempting to break a barrier in Kakapora area where a gunfight had taken place between separatist militants and the forces.

Ten other protesters were injured in the incident.

Police said Shaista was hit by a bullet during cross firing, while Danish was killed when a tear smoke shell hit his head.

Train services between Baramulla town in the Valley and Jammu's Bannihal town have been suspended for the day.

IANS