Kashmir shuts against Saturday’s killings

Srinagar, Sep 17: Following the Joint Hurriyat call Kashmir observed a complete shutdown on Sunday against the killing of militants and a civilian in Kulgam on Saturday.

Witnesses said that all shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in the city centre and other districts of summer capital Srinagar.  All shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in Banihal town of Ramban district while public transport was off the roads.

Overall, the valley saw scarce traffic on the streets along with minimal attendance in government offices.

Train services remained suspended for the third consecutive day following an advisory.

Earlier, a 24-year-old youth was killed after forces fired live ammunition and pellets to break up a protest near the site of a gunfight in Chowgam area of Qazigund earlier on Saturday that left five militants dead. At least 20 protesters were injured in the clashes.

Panchayat Ghar set ablaze in Pulwama

Srinagar, Sep 17: Police registered a case against unidentified persons for burning down a Panchayat Ghar at Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The incident coincides with the announcement of Panchayat elections to be held in nine phases from next month.

Official sources said that the Panchayat Ghar was set ablaze by unidentified persons at Seer Jagier area of Tral late last night, as a result of which some windows of the Panchayat Ghar got damaged.

A police officer concerned confirmed the fire incident and said that blaze was controlled soon after the flames began emanating from the building. He said that there was minor damage to the building while cognizance of the incident has been taken.

“A case under FIR number 87/2018 under section 436 RPC has been lodged and further investigations were taken up,” the officer said.

Asked about the cause of the fire, the police officer said: “It seems that some mischief mongers tried to set it ablaze, we have taken cognizance and those behind it would be unveiled”. (GNS)