Daily life was paralysed in Kashmir on Wednesday following a call for a shutdown by separatist leaders to protest against the death of three civilians during an anti-militancy operation in Budgam district. Separatists have also demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident, reported PTI.
“There should be a complete strike on Wednesday and peaceful protests after Friday prayers against the incident,” Hurriyat Conference chairpersons Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chief Mohammad Yasin Malik said in a joint statement.
Shops and other business establishments were closed in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area while public transport remained off the roads. In Baramulla’s Sopore town, too, all shops were shut down, reported Greater Kashmir. Towns in Budgam district were deserted.
Three civilians were killed and 17 others were injured on Tuesday when security personnel fought militants in Budgam’s Chandoora region. One civilian suffered bullet injuries to his neck and died en route to a hospital in Srinagar, while two others were reported dead later.
The encounter began at dawn on Tuesday after security forces received inputs that militants were holed up in the area. Soon, search operation turned into a gunfight after militants opened fire on security forces. Later, protesters began to hurl stones at the police while they were battling the militants. As security forces fired pump action guns and lobbed teargas shells to disperse the protesters, 17 others sustained injuries.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident, reported India Today. “It is highly painful to see the young boys losing their lives,” she added. National Conference President Farooq Abdullah blamed the Central and state governments for the “alarming situation” in the Valley. “There is no alternative to talks. You have to talk to the people of Kashmir and the stakeholders of all shades of opinion with an honest intent to resolve the political issue,” he added.
The separatist leaders said Tuesday’s incident was a fallout of Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat’s warning of “tough action” against civilians who hinder security forces in the state.
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