Day 11: Kashmir shuts on Hurriyat Call

Sit-in protests, clashes mar the day

Srinagar: Amid complete shutdown, thousands of people across the Valley staged peaceful sit-in demonstrations for the second consecutive day; Thursday in response to the call given by Geelani led Hurriyat Conference.

Reports said that thousands of people across Srinagar and other districts of Valley staged peaceful sit-ins for the second consecutive day today in wake of the call given by Hurriyat Conference (G) against the alleged Indian ‘occupation’ of Jammu and Kashmir.

In Srinagar, the capital city, hundreds of people staged peaceful sit-in demonstrations in old city, uptown and civil lines. The biggest demonstration, however, was witnessed at Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta.

Reports said, early morning, hundreds of people, including small children laid down mats and carpets on the road connecting old part with rest of the city and staged a peaceful sit-in. Shouting “We want Freedom,” “Islam Zindabad,” “Salam-O-Martyrs,” and anti-India slogans, the protesters denounced the recent killing of unarmed civilians allegedly by CRPF troops and police. The protesters also offered prayers on the roads and streets outside the historic Masjid.

Peaceful sit-ins were also held at Nawa Kadal, Naid Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Rainawari, Khanyar, Fateh Kadal, Nawab Bazar, Lal Bazar, Saida Kadal and other areas of the old city. Carrying placards and banners that read “We want Freedom,” “Go India Go Back,” “Stop genocide of Kashmiris,” and shouting slogans in favor of freedom, the protesters pledged to continue the peaceful demonstrations to attract the attention of world community towards the plight of Kashmiris.

At many places, the Mohalla committees had made temporary arrangements for food and refreshments. Hot tehri and cold drinks (yellow rice) was served to the protesters. Masjids in various localities of the city resonated with pro-freedom and anti-India slogans till late night.

At Nawab Bazar, a youth identified as Gulzar Ahmad, son of Ali Mohammad Najar of Botbagh, was allegedly thrashed by policemen when he along with other youth was staging pro-freedom demonstration. He suffered fracture in the thrashing and was rushed to the nearby SMHS hospital for treatment.

Dozens of people from Saraibala, Maharaja Bazar abstained their daily work and staged peaceful sit-in on the Amira Kadal Bridge. Shouting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the protesters were demanding the resolution of Kashmir issue according to whishes and aspirations of the people.

“We’ll continue with the peaceful protests till draconian laws are revoked, political prisoners are released, Army is pullout and the people are given the right to decide their fate,” Manzoor Ahmad, a protester said.

"Kashmiris are no more scared of bombs and bullets. Forces can kill us, not the movement,” he added.

Hundreds of people also staged sit-in demonstrations at Iqra Masjid, Magarmal bagh, Shaheed Gunj

Police also used force to disperse dozens of people who staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations at Rambagh. Chanting pro-freedom, anti-India, slogans, the protesters tried to stage a sit-in on the Srinagar-Budgam highway this morning. Heavy posse policemen beat up the protesters with bamboo sticks.

CRPF and Police also burst tear smoke shells and fired several shots in air to quell pro-freedom demonstrations in Basant Bagh area of city and Pampore in the outskirts. In retaliation, angry youth pelted rocks and stones on the forces sparking off pitched battles that continued for several hours. However, no reports of any injury were received.

Reports of peaceful sit-ins were also received from in Islamabad, Baramulla, Kulgam and Pulwama districts of the valley. However, in Shopian, district administration had imposed severe restrictions to foil the street protests.

Meanwhile, life remained crippled for eleventh consecutive day across the Valley due to Hurriyat call and the restrictions imposed by the state government in several districts of the Valley. All shops, offices, educational institutes, banks, petrol pumps, business establishments and government offices across the Valley remained closed, while transport remained off the roads. Vehicles carrying troops and police were only seen plying on the otherwise busy roads of the summer capital.

At many places in Srinagar and elsewhere, angry youth had laid barricades on the road and burnt tyres to enforce the shutdown.