Kashmir shuts on JRL’s call
Srinagar: Authorities on Saturday imposed restrictions in Srinagar areas while the rest of Valley observed acomplete shutdown to protest against the killing of a pro-freedom leader, Muhammad Yousuf Nadeem, Supreme Court verdict over the Shopian killings and shifting of Kashmiri jail inmates to other jails.
The shutdown call was given by the Joint resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik.
The trio had appealed people to observe a complete shutdown on Saturday.
Nadeem was killed by unknown gunmen in Beerwah area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district earlier this week. Hurriyat had earlier asked the United Jehad Council to probe the killing of the activist so as to put a full stop over such incidents.
Meanwhile, in view of the shutdown call, the district administration Srinagar had imposed restrictions in Srinagar areas falling under the jurisdiction of seven police stations including Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, Safakadal, M R Gunj, Maisuma and Karl Khud.
Officials said that partial restrictions were imposed in the areas falling under Maisuma and Kral Khud Police Station.
A large contingent of police and CRPF troopers were deployed on the roads in the restriction bound areas, witnesses said, adding that all the entry and exit points of the restriction bound areas were sealed by the forces by erecting concertina wires, halting the pedestrian as well as the vehicular movement in the areas.
Besides, the authorities had also put Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house detention on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, all the shops, business establishments including petrol pumps remained closed while the public transport was off the roads throughout the day. However, private vehicles were seen plying normally throughout the day.
Similarly, a complete shutdown was also observed in other district of the Valley.
Pertinently, the JRL while appealing for a complete shutdown on Saturday had criticized the Supreme Court Verdict regarding lodging of an FIR against an Army Major over Shopian killings.
Three civilians were killed in Ganowpora village of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Jan 27 after Army opened fire at the protesters.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had ordered an inquiry into the incident following which a case was also registered against the ‘involved’ Army troopers including its Major.
Today’s protest was also called against the shifting of Kashmiri jail inmates to other jails against which the JRL leaders and activists also staged protest on Thursday at Abi Guzar area of Srinagar.
The protesters demanded immediate shifting of the jail inmates from outside jails.
KV Correspondent
