Srinagar : Complete shutdown, marked by curfew and restrictions, is being observed in occupied Kashmir, today, to protest against the killing of civilians including a woman by Indian troops in Pulwama district. Call for the strike has been given by the All Parties Hurriyet Conference Chairman (G), Syed Ali Gilani and other Hurriyet leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik and High Court Bar Association. Other Hurriyet leaders Aasiya Andrabi, Zafar Akbar Butt and Mukhtar Ahmad Waza supported the call.
The civilians, 19-year-old Danish Farooq and 22-year-old Shaista Hameed were killed in firing by Indian Army and police on protesters in Pulwama, yesterday. They were protesting against the killing of a youth by Indian troops at Kakapora in the district, the same day. Strict restrictions and curfew have been imposed in several areas of Srinagar including Maisuma to prevent protests. Hurriyet leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Zafar Akbar Butt and Ayaz Akbar have been placed under house arrest.
There are reports about massive protests and clashes between protesters and Indian forces in Sopore and Pulwama districts. Meanwhile, thousands of people participated in the funeral prayers of Kashmiri youth, Aadil Wagay at Banderpora in Pulwama, today. The youth was martyred by Indian troops during a siege and search operation in Kakapora area of Pulwama. Pro-freedom and pro-Pakistan slogans and were raised and Pakistani flags were hoisted on the occasion. Hurriyet leader Firdous Ahmad Shah and activists Tehreek-e-Hurriyet and Muslim League also participated in funeral of the martyr.