Braidchopping row shuts J&K
Separatists called for a shutdown and lashed out at the government for its ‘inaction’ in nabbing culprits behind the incidents, schools across the region were also closed
SRINAGAR : A general shutdown was observed in Kashmir on Saturday following increasing allegations of braid-chopping incidents across the Valley.
Separatists called for the shutdown against ‘unending’ incidents of braid-chopping, saying an “assault on modesty and dignity of women is intolerable”.
Most businesses across the summer capital Srinagar and in other district headquarters were closed while public transport stayed off the roads. The schools across the region were closed. Kashmir University also postponed its examinations.
Anticipating protests, authorities imposed restrictions in old parts of Srinagar.
The braid-chopping allegations by women, which started in September from south Kashmir, spread to all the districts of the region.
Over 100 such cases have been reported with no clarity on why or how it has been happening.
State police announced a bounty of ₹6 lakh for anyone providing information about the incidents in the Valley fearing they could be used to spark antiIndia sentiment.
Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik have blamed it on “Indian tactics” and have accused the police of inaction against braid-choppers.
The National Conference also held a protest rally here against the government’s “failure” in nabbing the culprits.
“The government knows who the real culprits are but still continues to maintain silence on this conspiracy. The government has failed miserably to ensure protection of our mothers, sisters and daughters,” party general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar said at the rally.
Following the incidents, men in many neighbourhoods have formed vigilante groups. Eighteen people were arrested on Saturday for allegedly assaulting three Army men, accusing them of being braid-choppers in Baramulla district. They were attacked on October 18.