Shutdown observed in south Kashmir’s Pulwama

Srinagar, Jul 31 :  A shutdown was today observed in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, where two local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) were killed in an encounter with security forces, official sources said. Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the town and other adjoining areas besides, Tral, Awantipora Samboora and Tahab, where about a dozen persons were injured when security forces resorted to aerial firing and burst teargas shells to disperse demonstrators after the killing of militants. Work in government offices and banks was also affected while educational institutions remained closed. Shariq Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Takuna Gulzarpora, and Shabir Ahmed alias Showkat of Mehind Bhijbehra were killed in the encounter with security forces yesterday. Meanwhile, additional security forces were deployed at Pampore, Awantipora and other areas to prevent any stone pelting and untoward incident on Srinagar-Jammu national highway. The rail service between Srinagar and Banihal in Jammu region via south Kashmir also remained suspended for the second day today. UNI