Sopore Killings: Kashmir Bows to Separatists’ Strike

Separatists had called a strike in Kashmir after protesting the killings of four civilians in Sopore.

A Kashmiri woman walks through a closed market during a strike in Srinagar. (Photo: AP)

Normal life in Kashmir was affected on Wednesday due to a strike call by separatists against the killing of civilians in Sopore town of Baramulla district.

Shops, business establishments and schools remained closed due to the strike called jointly by JKLF, Hurriyat Conference factions led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Shah Geelani. It was supported by almost all separatist groups in the Valley.

• Public transport was off the roads in most parts of the Valley but private vehicles were seen plying in some parts of Srinagar.

• The attendance in government offices was thin due to the non-availability of transport services, officials said.

• The work in courts was also affected as Kashmir High Court Bar Association has also joined the strike call.

A civilian rides on his bicycle through a closed market during a strike in Srinagar. (Photo: AP)

Militants have shot dead six persons, including separatist activists and former militants, in Sopore town over the past three weeks, leading to fear among the residents of the town.

Police has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh each for information leading to arrest of two militants believed to be behind the killings.

The militants have been identified as Abdul Qayoom Najar and Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, who are believed to have defied the command of Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin and are now operating under the shadow name of Lashkar-e-Islam outfit.

Authorities say their initial investigations indicate rebels killed the four victims, each with a close-range shot to the back of the head. But separatists say secret government agencies were behind the killings.

(With inputs from agencies)