Normal life was affected in Kashmir on Wednesday due to the strike called by separatists against a spree of targeted killings in north Kashmir’s Sopore town by unidentified gunmen.
All shops and commercial establishments including educational institutions remained closed while public transport was off the roads in Srinagar city while attendance in government offices was thin.
However, skeletal movement of private vehicles was reported from various areas.
Similar reports were received from other parts of the valley and some areas in Chenab valley of Jammu division.
A police spokesperson said situation in Valley remained peaceful with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.
The call for shutdown was given by both factions of Hurriyat Conference and pro-independence JKLF to show anger at the civilian killing and express solidarity with the families of the victims.
Unidentified gunmen have shot dead four civilians in past eight days and overall six people, including two former militants, in last three weeks.
Blame game
While the police blame a breakaway faction of Hizbul Mujahideen, pro-freedom leaders blame Indian agencies for the killings, which have triggered panic among residents in Sopore town, especially former militants.
Separatists blame New Delhi for resurrecting “Ikhwani” (government gunmen) movement in the valley and they attribute Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement “use terrorists to neutralise terrorists” as the reason for killings.
Ikhwani or government gunmen were notorious in mid ’90s for killings, extortions, rapes and intimidations in Kashmir Valley.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks