Kashmir plunged into widespread chaos on Monday as thousands clashed with security forces to protest the killing of four "civilians" that left the Army and J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sparring.
After a Sunday night encounter Pahnoo village in Shopian district, the bodies of two terrorists and four "civilians" have been recovered. Anger spread across South Kashmir as thousands shouted slogans and joined the last rites of those killed.
As security forces tear-gassed demonstrators hurling rocks, authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions in Downtown Srinagar. Normal life remained paralysed as people observed a bandh against the killings. Mobile Internet services were suspended in South Kashmir, while its speed was reduced in Srinagar and other parts.
The state government shut all schools and colleges till Thursday. A massive deployment of security forces has been made to prevent escalation. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into custody when he tried to lead a march in Srinagar against the killings.
The Army earlier said that three of the four bodies found on Sunday were those of "accomplices and over ground workers (OGWs)" of militants. Two more bodies were found on Monday when the Army slightly changed its stand.
"There is a very thin line between a civilian and an OGW. We do not have to be concerned about that. The extent of their role in supporting terrorists is a matter of investigation", said Brigadier Harbir Singh.
However, Mufti said she was distressed by the death of civilians. "Deeply distressed by more deaths of civilians caught in the crossfire in Shopian. My heartfelt condolences to the deceased's families", she tweeted.
PDP MLA from Shopian Mohommad Yousuf demanded demanding a judicial probe and speedy action. "When your heart bleeds and you are emotionally amputated, no condemnation is enough", he said.
Former CM Omar Abdullah asked the state government to make public the details of the incident and the circumstances leading up to it. "The Chief Minister has termed the deceased civilians and it is hence incumbent upon her to take stringent, legal action", he said
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Mehbooba Mufti")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}