Kashmir Simmers: Eight Dead in Clashes, NET Exam Postponed

Hizbul Mujahideen poster boy Burhan Wani’s death has sparked angry protests across the Valley.

People attend funeral procession of militant Burhan Wani at his village in Tral of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on 9 July. (Photo: IANS)

Eight people were killed and at least 11 left injured in protests after Friday’s killing of Hizbul Mujhaideen poster boy Burhan Wani in an encounter.

Mobs have been attacking police posts, security personnel and the BJP office in Kulgam to protest against the Hizbul commander’s death. Three police stations set on fire as clashes ensued in the valley. Ninety-six security personnel have been injured while tackling attacks, mainly in the South Kashmir and Anantnag districts, said the Kashmir ADGP.

The University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam scheduled to be held in Srinagar on 10 July has been postponed following the clashes.

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Security forces clash with locals at Baramulla town as a complete shutdown is being observed across Kashmir Valley. (Photo: IANS)

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Local youth took to the streets – pelting stones at police posts and police stations at Bandipora, Qazigund and Larnoo in Anantnag district. Protests were also reported in Mir Bazaar and Damhaal Hanjipora in Kulgam district and Warpora in Sopore township of Baramulla district, according to police officials.

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, and Amarnath Yatra has also been suspended. Mobile internet across Kashmir has been down while mobile telephony services have also been restricted in south Kashmir. Top separatists leaders who had called for a strike were put under house arrest as a precautionary measure.

So far, 11 persons including three policemen have been injured during the clashes.

Pilgrims wait at a camp in Srinagar as the Amarnath Yatra has been suspended on 9 July. (Photo: IANS)

A mob also attacked the BJP office in Nilo-Bugam area of Kulgam district and damaged the building.