Srinagar: A spontaneous shutdown is being observed in Pulwama and Awantipora townships of southern Kashmir following the killing of a local militant.

Reports said that all shops and other business establishments shut spontaneously while public and private transport went off the roads.

Eyewitnesses said that scores of youths took to streets and hurled government forces with rocks in the town soon after the news of killing of a local militant Ishfaq Yousuf Wani, a resident of Koil village spread.

They said that the government forces responded by firing tear gas shells and pellet firing.

Meanwhile, authorities have suspended train services on Banihal-Srinagar track following the militant killing.

A railway official said that the decision has been made as a precautionary measure to  maintain law and order.

He said, however, train services on Budgam in central Kashmir and Baramulla in north Kashmir will run as per schedule.

The gunfight erupted after a joint team of government forces including Army, Jammu and Kashmir police’s Special Operations Group and CRPF paramilitary forces launched a cordon and search operation in Renzipora village following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired upon the search party of the forces, who retaliated.