Pulwama, Shopian observer shutdown against militant killings

PULWAMA — A complete shutdown is being observed in the twin south Kashmir districts of Pulwama and Shopian against the killing of five militants and a civilian on May 16.

All the shops and other business establishments remained closed while public transport is off the roads in both the districts.

Three Jaish-i-Mohammad militants including the outfit’s top most commander in south Kashmir, Khalid Bhai, were killed in a gunfight with the government forces.

Naseer Pandith was the second militant killed in the encounter. He had joined militant ranks in October last year.

Pulwama and Shopian townships wore a deserted look as traffic was off the roads. Only a thin movement of private vehicles can be seen on the roads.

Earlier in the day, people took to streets after announcements were made over the public address system of the mosques to raise slogans in favour of the slain militants.

People from Lethpora, Pampore and other parts of Pulwama visited the family of militant who was killed in yesterday’s encounter in north Kashmir’s Sopore area.