One killed, Scores injuries post Sabzar killing; Curfew like restrictions imposed in Srinagar

Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, who succeeded Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, was killed in an encounter with government forces in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.
Bhat was among eight militants killed in two separate gunfights in north and south Kashmir. A civilian was also killed after forces opened fire on people marching towards the encounter site in Saimoh village of Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
One civilian was killed and several others injured after being hit by bullets during clashes near the site of a gunbattle in Saimoh village of Tral township of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday.
Two militants, including top Hizb commander Sabzar Bhat, were killed in the gunfight that lasted for several hours.
Massive clashes erupted in Saimoh and adjacent Rathsuna – native village of Bhat – as the news of his death spread in the area.
Witnesses said that forces opened fire to disperse the protesters, resulting into injuries to at least four civilians.
One of them, identified as Molvi Aqib Ahmad of Khanqah Tral, succumbed at Sub-district Hospital Tral. He had received a bullet in his forehead. Two others were shifted to SMHS and Bone and Joints Hospital Barzulla for treatment.
“We were marching towards the encounter site in Saimoh, but the forces opened fire on us,” said an injured civilian undergoing treatment at Sub-district Hospital Tral.

Meanwhile, The district administration has imposed strict restrictions in parts of Srinagar – region’s summer capital – falling under the jurisdiction of eight police stations.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Lone said strict restrictions have been imposed in Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, MR Gunj, Rainawari, Maisuma, Kral Khud and Batamaloo police stations “until further orders.”
The restrictions have been placed to prevent protests against the killing of top militant commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhat in an encounter with government forces in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district today.
The death of Bhat, a successor of slain militant commander Burhan Wani, has triggered protests and shutdown across the valley.
A civilian was killed after forces opened fire on marchers in Saimoh village of Tral after encounter came to an end.