Sopore observes shutdown to protest Hurriyat activist, militants killing, Youth injured in clashes

SRINAGAR, SEP 14 (PTK):  A shutdown was observed in Sopore and Zainageer areas of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district today to protest the killing of a Hurriyat activist and mourn the deaths of two militants in a gunfight yesterday.

Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had appealed for shutdown in these areas.

All shops, business establishments and petrol pumps remained shut in Sopore and Zaingeer areas while public transport was off the roads. Authorities last evening ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Sopor sub-division today.

Hurriyat (G) activist Hakim-ur-Rehman was shot dead by unknown gunmen last week. Two Jaish militants were killed in a gunfight with the government forces yesterday.

Meanwhile a youth was injured during clashes with the government forces in Arampora area of Sopore  after Friday prayers. Reports said that scores of youth gathered in Arampora area and staged a protest against the killing militants in the area yesterday.

The protesting youth pelted the forces deployed in the area with stones, they said.

The forces retaliated by firing teargas shells to disperse them, resulting in injuries to one youth.

The injured, identified as Zahoor Ahmad, was rushed to Sub-District Hospital Sopore for treatment. (PTK)