Separatist shutdown paralyses life in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar (IANS) A shutdown called by separatists on Sunday to protest the civilian killings a day before in Pulwama district, has paralyzed life across the Kashmir Valley.

The shutdown has been called by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) separatist conglomerate.

On Saturday, seven civilians were killed and over 35 others injured in clashes with the security forces which broke out in Pulwama district's Sirnoo village immediately after a gunfight in the area.

Public transport remained off the streets across the valley on Sunday as authorities made heavy security deployment to maintain law and order.

High tension continued for the second day in the South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian where the impact of the protest shutdown was maximum.

Governor Satya Pal Malik has ordered a probe into Saturday's killings led by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan.

On Monday, the separatists have called a protest march to the Badami Bagh headquarters of the Army's 15 Corps in Srinagar.

Senior separatist leaders, Syed Ali Geelani, and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq have been placed under house arrest while Muhammad Yasin Malik has gone underground to avoid detention.

Mobile internet services have been suspended in south Kashmir areas while the speed was brought down in other places of the valley.

Rail services between the valley and the Jammu region remained canceled for a second day on Sunday.