Normal life affected in Pulwama

Srinagar, Aug 17 :  Normal life was once again crippled in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, where a ''district commander'' of Lashkar-e-Taiba was killed in a brief encounter with security forces. Even though there was no strike call given by any separatist organisation, shops and business establishments were closed and traffic was off the roads in Pulwama, where mobile services remained suspended since yesterday evening to prevent spread of rumours on social media. However, traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was plying normally though security forces remained deployed in strength to prevent any protests. District Magistrate of Pulwama had ordered closure of educational institutions as precautionary measure in Pampore and Kakpora tehsils in the district. But, class work in all educational institutes, including government and private schools, in the district was suspended today as students preferred to stay indoors in the wake of situation. Work in government offices and banks was also affected in the district while train service was again been suspended on Srinagar-Banihal track via south Kashmir for security reasons. Officials told  that there were no restrictions in any parts of the Pulwama. However, people alleged that all roads leading to Kakapora has been sealed to prevent people from participating in the funeral of the slain militant at his ancestral village Lelhar. LeT district ''commander'' Ayub Lelhri was killed in a brief encounter with security forces at Banderpora village in Pulwama yesterday. UNI