Srinagar: A complete shutdown was observed in Kashmir Valley today to protest the army killings of two youth in Ganawpora area of Shopian yesterday, even as curfew-like restrictions were in place in several parts of Srinagar to thwart the pro-freedom protests. The shutdown was called by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL). 

Two youth Javaid Ahmad Bhat (23) and Suhail Javaid (22) were killed by army yesterday after the locals resisted the army move to remove the banners of Hizbul Mujahideen militants killed in an encounter in Shopian on January 24.

Reports said that another youth Rayees Ahmad Ganai was critically injured during the 25-minute-long firing by the army personnel and is recuperating in a Srinagar hospital.

Pictures by Zargar Zahoor