Srinagar: Following the killing of a Jama’at activist and school principal in Police custody, spontaneous shutdown is being observed in parts of Downtown Srinagar, Maisuma and parts of Awantipora in south Kashmir.

Reports said that as the news about the killing of slain, identified as Rizwan, spread, shopkeepers downed their shutters in protest in Maisuma and Awantipora while announcements were made in Jamia Masjid asking people to observe shutdown. 

Meanwhile, clashes erupted in Awantipora area of Pulwama district following the custodial killing of Rizwan.

Reports said that all shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in the area while traffic went off the roads soon after news of death of Rizwan Pandit spread.

They said that thousands of people assembled at the residence of slain Rizwan and were waiting for his body.

Internet services have been suspended in the area as a “precautionary measure”.

Pandit, who was arrested by the police in a militancy-related case, died in police custody at CARGO camp in Srinagar last night, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

Reacting to Rizwan’s death former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said the “repressive approach” adopted by the government of India was pushing youth towards militancy.

“Innocent men hauled up from their homes for interrogation return home only in coffins now. GoI’s repressive approach leaves young educated men vulnerable who are forced to take up arms. Stop using Kashmir to exhibit your sick chauvinistic nationalism. We have suffered enough,” Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.