The Joint Resistance Leadership, an amalgamation of separatist groups, said in a statement on Tuesday that there had been a sudden spike in civilian killings since the eve of Eid. It also demanded an international probe into Bukhari's killing.
An NIA court on Thursday convicted Jammu and Kashmir separatist leader Yasin Malik after he pleaded guilty to all the charges, including those under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, before the court in a case related to alleged terrorism and secessionist activities that disturbed the Kashmir Valley in 2017.
Authorities had imposed restrictions in parts of Kashmir as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order on the eve of the second death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, even as a strike called by separatists evoked mixed response in the Valley.
The separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership, on Tuesday called for a strike for Thursday against the killing of Shujaat Bukhari and also civilians allegedly in security forces firing.
The strike affected attendance in government offices and banks, the officials said.
Educational institutions, shops and business establishments remained closed across the Valley, while all kinds of transport remained off the roads due to the strike.
The annual pilgrimage to the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas will resume on Tuesday, they said.
Restrictions have been imposed in five police station areas of Srinagar, a police official said.
The detentions come ahead of a crucial hearing on Article 35-A in Supreme Court which is likely to take place on Monday. The article, incorporated into the Indian Constitution in 1954, grants special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
Local residents started pelting security personnel with stones, leading to clashes, they said, adding that some civilians were injured.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said she was deeply distressed by the killing of 'civilians' in 'crossfire'.
4 civilians were also killed and dozens of others injured in clashes that broke out between protestors and security forces following three separate encounters.
The ongoing violence in the valley is driving students to excel, but it is also making them angry, discovers Ritwik Sharma.
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