High-speed Internet blocked, Kashmir varsity postpones exams
The killing of three civilians, including a teenager, in two separate incidents of firing during the past 24 hours has ignited fresh tension in the region as separatists called for a shutdown on Saturday across the Kashmir valley.
The killing of two civilians takes the casualty figure during the past 24 hours to 11 — which includes eight policemen who were killed yesterday and today in separate incidents. The deaths of civilians stoked fresh tension in the region as the alarmed authorities made a pre-emptive move to contain the fallout and as a first measure blocked the high-speed Internet services.
The authorities ordered the shutdown of the high-speed 3G and 4G Internet services which bars the uploading of videos from the protest sites, as the government fears it can fuel further demonstrations.
As another precautionary measure, the authorities also suspended the rail services in the region as protests erupted in several adjoining districts immediately after the gunfight broke out in Kulgam.
In the city here, the police had to fire tear-smoke shells to disperse a protesting crowd which had gathered outside Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta neighbourhood.
Several separatist leaders have also called for a shutdown to be observed on Saturday against the killing of civilians. With situation likely to remain adversely affected in coming days, the University of Kashmir postponed all exams scheduled for Saturday.
