A complete shutdown was observed across the Kashmir valley today in protest against the killing of eight persons during the clashes between protesters and security forces in Budgam district during the polling to the Srinagar parliamentary constituency yesterday.
Amid heavy deployment of security forces in sensitive areas and vulnerable points to avoid any law and order situation, there were several incidents of stone-throwing and clashes in different areas of the Valley, particularly in Budgam district. Similar incidents were also reported from many places in Srinagar city and its outskirts. Shops and business establishments were closed and passenger traffic was off the roads.
Tension gripped various areas of Budgam district and Barsoo village of Ganderbal district where those killed during the clashes yesterday were laid to rest today. Seven of the dead were laid to rest at their native places in Budgam while one was laid to rest at Barsoo village of Ganderbal district.
Meanwhile, unidentified persons last night set ablaze a government school designated as a polling booth in Paderpora village of Shopian district in south Kashmir. The area falls in the Anantnag constituency, going to the polls on Wednesday.
Tight security arrangements with a heavy deployment of security personnel were made mostly in Budgam district of central Kashmir that remained at the centre of trouble yesterday. At least 80 CRPF men were also injured in the clashes yesterday. A CRPF official said two of the seriously injured were airlifted from Chadoora to Army’s 92 base hospital here.
As a part of the security measures and to check spread of rumours, the authorities have already suspended Internet services in the Valley since Saturday night till the conclusion of the elections on April 12.
The two-day shutdown began in response to the call given by separatists against the killing of eight civilians in Budgam where demonstrators attacked over 100 polling stations disrupting the poll process yesterday. Several booths and EVMs were damaged during the incidents.
Kashmir Valley Shuts down over Civilian Killings
