IHK observes shutdown to protest civilian killings

Normal life was hit in Indian-held Kashmir as separatists called for a shutdown on Wednesday to protest the killing of civilians during clashes with Indian security forces.

Three civilians were killed in Chadoora town of Budgam district on Tuesday as local residents pelted stones at security forces to disrupt an encounter being carried out to flush out a rebel.

Security forces resorted to firing to disperse the protestors. Around 43 personnel of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 20 police personnel were wounded in the stone pelting

In provincial summer capital Srinagar, shops, schools, business establishments and other installations were closed while residents remained indoors and public transport was off the roads on Wednesday.

Armed security personnel lined the streets and maintained strict vigil to prevent any untoward incident.

The separatist leaders have also called on people to hold protests after Friday prayers against the killings.