Valley tense after Hizbul leader's killing

Kashmir crisis: Thousands participate in Bhat's funeral prayers

Amid protests, shutdown and restrictions, tense situation prevailed in Kashmir on Sunday, a day after Hizbul commander Sabzar Bhat was killed in an encounter with security forces. Sunday marked the beginning of Ramzan.

While separatists had called for a Valley-wide strike on Sunday and Monday, authorities imposed curfew and restrictions in volatile areas of Srinagar and other districts to thwart protests and prevent people from reaching Rathsuna village of Tral, Sabzar’s native, to participate in his funeral prayers.

Reports said, despite restrictions and heavy deployment of security forces, thousands participated in the funeral. “Because of the rush, the funeral prayers were held at least seven times,” a local newspaper reported.

Eyewitnesses told DH over the phone that masjids in several areas of south Kashmir were resonating with freedom songs as hundreds of people offered prayers on the roads and registered their protest.

Reports said clashes broke out at Meemander in Shopian, Warpora in Sopore and Trehgam in Kupwara as forces fired teargas shells on protesters to disperse them, while they pelted stones. On Saturday, at least 30 people were injured in violent clashes following the killing of Bhat, his aide Faizan and a civilian.

“Police exercised maximum restraint to prevent injuries on Saturday. However, miscreants pelted stones on security forces in which some people were injured,” Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Muneer Khan, said.

He said the situation, by and large, remained under control on Sunday. Khan said restrictions will continue due to the prevailing situation in sensitive areas of Kashmir to maintain law and order.

Director of School Education, Kashmir, G N Itoo said all schools and colleges will remain closed on Monday. The University of Kashmir has postponed exams scheduled for May 29 and May 30.

The authorities suspended mobile internet services in the Valley, while the outgoing call facility on prepaid numbers was also snapped as a precautionary measure.

Intra-Kashmir train services remained suspended since Saturday afternoon.In July last year, at least 100 people died and thousands were injured in clashes that took place between protesters and security forces after the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani.