Shopian and Pulwama districts remained closed for the sixth consecutive day on Friday in protest against civilian and militant killings. In Shopian, two youth were detained by the police during nocturnal raids.
On May 6 six civilians and five militants including the top Hizbul Mujahidin commanders were killed in a gunfight with government forces in the Badigam area of Shopian.
Both districts observed a complete shutdown with banks, business establishments and educational institutions remaining locked for the sixth day in a row. Although 2G internet service was resumed on mobile devices in Pulwama on Thursday, broadband and mobile internet services continue to remain suspended across Shopian district.
During nocturnal raids in Gagran area of Shopian, police detained Shakir Ahmad and Shakoor Ahmed from their residence. The people of the area also alleged harassment by the forces during the raids.
While commercial and private traffic remained largely off the roads, all the business and academic activities remained suspended in whole Shopian district. In Pulwama town all the business establishments, including schools, colleges and banks remained closed. Normal work in courts remained suspended and the government offices registered a thin attendance. Out of the total six civilians killed on May 6, three belonged to district Pulwama.