Kashmir tense oneve of I-Day

Kashmir remained on the edge on the eve of Independence Day on Monday, as the authorities imposed restrictions in parts of the Valley and issued a red alert in the wake of the killing of a Hizbul Mujahideen operational commander and two civilians on Sunday.

Security has been beefed up across the Valley for Independence Day.

Mobile bunkers have been set up and quick response teams stationed in all volatile pockets.

Barricades have been set up on all roads leading to the venues where I-Day celebrations are being held. Separatists have called for a shutdown on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a spontaneous shutdown was observed in four districts of Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Budgam, where Hizb top commander Yasin Ittoo was killed in a gunfight and two civilians died in firing allegedly by security forces.

Hundreds of people participated in Itoo’s funeral, held five times amid tight security arrangements. JKLF chief Yasin Malik was barred from joining them.