After Violence Erupts In Kashmir, Disputed Region Shutters Storefronts In Strike

Two Indian soldiers and one civilian were killed in another gun battle in Kachdoora village, which is also in Shopian district, where a battle with a separate group of 4-5 militants was ongoing, Vaid said.

According to hospital officials, numerous injured were hit by shotgun pellets in the eyes, causing widespread anger across Kashmir.

Despite the suspension of classes, anti-India protests erupted at the University of Kashmir, where many students gathered in the main campus in Srinagar and shouted slogans such as "Go India, go back" and demanded an end of Indian rule over the region.

"The government has also continuously encouraged policies to mainstream the youth, including providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy", he said.

Ultimately, Indian Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt told The New York Times the operation was a success: "It is a special day for our forces", he said.

Reports suggested more than 100 civilians were injured when Indian forces used brute force and fired pellets and bullets on protesters in Draged and Kachdora areas.

Villages in south Kashmir, particularly Shopian, Pulwama and Anantnag have become rebel hotbeds since July 2016, after the killing of young rebel commander Burhan Wani.

In a major breakthrough for security forces operational in Jammu and Kashmir, 12 militants have been killed in multiple encounters spread over three days.

On Sunday too, two civilians were killed in the encounter while trying to shield terrorists.

Authorities have suspended mobile Internet and train services and ordered the closure of all colleges and schools in the Valley on Monday while separatist leaders called for a shutdown on Sunday and Monday. Hurriyet leaders who challenge India's sovereignty over Kashmir have called for a shutdown on Monday against the killings.

Pakistan, it said, expresses its full solidarity with Kashmiris and "we urge worldwide community to take cognisance of the gross and systematic violations of fundamental human rights".

Pakistan - which has fought three wars with India over Kashmir - condemned the latest violence and said that brutal use of force will only fortify the resolve of the Kashmiri people for freedom.

No rebel group fighting against Indian rule immediately issued any statement about Sunday's fighting.

These reports suggested that tourists were injured in stone-pelting in Awantipora, and the Dalgate area in the city of Srinagar.

India and Pakistan each administer parts of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Thousands took to the streets over the weekend in support of the rebels, who have been fighting for decades for independence or for a merger with Pakistan.

India regularly accuses Pakistan of arming and training militants and allowing them across the restive frontier in an attempt to launch attacks on Indian forces.