Following the chaos caused due to the killing of eight people — including three militants and two soldiers in separate incidents, all educational institutes remained closed today in Kashmir. The victims, Owais Ahmad Dar and Muhammad Sayeed Bhat, died after they were hit by pellets during clashes with the security forces in Kakapora and Shopian towns.

Exams postponed

All examinations scheduled for Monday have also been postponed. The Kashmir University and the Islamic University of Sciences and Technology have also postponed the examinations scheduled for today, while the class work has been suspended.

Internet and train services suspended 

As per an HT report, restrictions were placed on traffic and pedestrian movement in the old Srinagar area. Internet services were suspended in Shopian, Kulgam and Chadoora areas while train services between the valley and Jammu’s Bannihal town were cancelled.

Boycotting India’s Independence Day celebrations 

A joint statement issued by the separatists read, “Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik have called on people to observe a complete shutdown on August 15, India’s Independence Day, and appealed to the teachers, students and parents to boycott all functions related to the eve.” The government was also warned by the leaders against forcing teachers, students and their parents to participate in pro-India functions.

How it all began

Clashes between stone pelting protesters and the security forces broke out in many South Kashmir areas after three militants including Yasin Yatoo, the operational commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen were killed in a gunfight in Shopian’s Awneera village earlier on Sunday.

Authorities have made heavy security deployments in Srinagar’s old city and uptown areas. Officials have announced restrictions in areas falling under five police stations of Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj and Safa Kadal.

[Source”cnbc”]