Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 15: Police and para-military forces were heavily deployed in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district and authorities had put restrictions on the movement to foil separatists’ march to Kulgam.
Separatist leaders had called for protest march to Kulgam against the civilian killings during an encounter at Frisal in Kulgam district on Sunday. Four militants, two civilians and two Army men were killed in the encounter.
All entry routes towards Kulgam were sealed off and curfew like restrictions were imposed in Kulgam district. Police and para-military security forces were deployed in strength in the town and main roads were blocked with concertina wires.
In Kulgam, complete shutdown was observed as the shops were shut and no transport movement was seen on the roads. The business establishment, offices and Banks witnessed thin attendance due to security restrictions.
The situation remained peaceful and under control, and no protest march or clashes were reported from anywhere in the town.
There were clashes in Pulwama as protesters pelted stones on police and CRPF, who, in retaliation, fired tear smoke to disperse them.
In Srinagar city, there was a complete shutdown and most of shops and business establishments also remained closed. The areas like Old City and Maisuma witnessed shutdown.
In the meantime, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik was arrested today to prevent him from marching towards Kulgam.
Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed house arrest to prevent him venturing out to take part in protest march towards Kulgam.
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