A Separatist group in Srinagar called for a complete shutdown in the Kashmir Valley on Monday. The shutdown has affect regular life as heavy security forces were deployed to avoid massive protests.
The Joint Residence Leadership (JRL) headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik were the ones behind the Valley wide protest shutdown. The separatist group is fighting against the continuous civilian killings in Kashmir during encounters.
Yawar Ahmad Dar a civilian in Kulgam district was killed on Sunday during Anti militancy operations. Last week Shahid Hajan who was injured during an encounter in Anantnag succumbed to his injuries.
Heavy contingents of police and security forces have been deployed in the South Kashmir area. Public transport, educational institutes, shops and other business establishments remained closed in Srinagar after the cordon on Sunday.
As a precautionary measure the train running between Baramulla and Banihal were suspended. Internet service were also suspended in the South Kashmir area.
During the attack in Anantnag, the Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK) Chief was killed on Friday. The police identified one of the militants killed was Dawood who was heading the ISJK an affiliate to ISIS.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief of Police S. P. Vaid said, “Four militants have been killed in the encounter at Srigufwara and their bodies have been recovered.”
Early this year, Mr. Vaid confirmed the ISIS terror group had a presence in the Valley after a policeman was killed. Mr. Vaid stated their presence was no substantial but it was. “Indeed a worrying sign because ISIS foothold in Kashmir will have a different meaning.” However, the State police head’s worst fears are coming true with the ongoing encounter.
Preliminary information indicated that the terrorists were hiding inside a house in South Kashmir. The owner of the house was killed in the crossfire while his wife was injured. The officials suspended internet services in Srinagar and Anantnag due to the encounter.
The security officers received intelligence inputs about the terrorists’ location. The search operation turned into a gunfight when the terrorists began firing at the officers who retaliated.
