Muslims in Indian-controlled Kashmir held a general strike on Sunday in protest against the killing of the commander of an insurgent group.

Security forces said they killed eight insurgents in separate encounters, including Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, a commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen. Markets closed and roads were deserted in Srinagar and adjoining areas which observed a complete shutdown in response to the killing. 

India has heavily militarized its side of the border in order to stop cross-border infiltration, fueling a long-running insurgency.