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Shutdown, protests hit Indian-controlled Kashmir district over separatist supporter's killing

Xinhua, June 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

A complete shutdown was observed in northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir Wednesday to protest the killing of a separatist worker at the hands of unknown gunmen.

The call for strike in Baramulla district was given by head of hardline separatist alliance Syed Ali Geelani.

A 50-year-old government employee Mohammad Altaf Sheikh, who was a staunch supporter of Geelani, was killed on Tuesday by gunmen in Sopore town.

Sheikh, a pharmacist at government hospital in the town, according to family members, was returning home from night shift, when gunmen fatally shot him in the market place.

Heavy contingents of Indian police and paramilitary troopers of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed at sensitive localities in Sopore and Baramulla townships to thwart possible protests.

However, protests were held in Palhallan area, where people threw stones on government forces over the killing. The protesters blocked the road, after which government forces fired tear smoke shells to disperse the angry demonstrators

"Situation remained normal throughout the day. However, a stray incident of stone pelting was reported at Palhallan in northwest of Srinagar city," a police spokesman said. "There are no reports of injury."

Schools, shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the road in Sopore and adjoining areas.

However, private vehicles were seen plying on the national highway.

Geelani has condemned the killing and described it the " handiwork of Indian agencies."

However, police spokesman said militants are behind the Sheikh' s killing.

So far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the killing.

A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989.

Last month a lesser known militant outfit Lashkar-e-Islam attacked mobile phone towers and killed two people associated with cellphone companies in a bid to disrupt mobile phone connectivity in Sopore. Geelani condemned the attacks and described the attackers as "Indian agents".

Geelani has called for a hour long protest on Friday in the region against the killing of Sheikh. Endi