Srinagar: A complete shutdown is being observed in Anantnag town of southern Kashmir against the killing of a local civilian, Rauf Ahmad, during the Chowgam encounter.

Sources said that the transport is off the roads in the town while business establishments are also shut.

Reports said that several youths have been picked up by the Jammu and Kashmir Police during nocturnal raids in the town, including TeH district president, Ashiq Narchoor.

Five militants were killed in a gunfight with government forces in Chowgam village of southern Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

During the ensuing encounter, civilian pelted stones on government forces who retaliated by firing bullets and pellets.

One civilian Rauf Ahmad was hit by a bullet in his throat who later succumbed to injuries on way to Srinagar hospital.