With separatists under house arrest on Eid, clashes erupt in Kashmir
Protesters clash with security personnel, unfurl Pakistan, Lashkar flags in parts of Srinagar; security forces fire smoke shells to bring the situation under control
SRINAGAR: Parts of Kashmir Valley witnessed violent protests after Eid prayers on Saturday even as Pakistan and Lashkar- e- Toiba flags were unfurled in some areas of Srinagar.
A major clash broke out at Srinagar’s main prayer ground, Eidgah, where Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also the valley’s head priest, was scheduled to lead prayers of hundreds of devotees.
“The Mirwaiz was to offer Eid sermon as has been a tradition for centuries. Not allowing the Mirwaiz to offer prayers is deliberate interference with his religious duties,” said a Hurriyat spokesman.
The Mirwaiz, who was disallowed to leave his Srinagar residence, addressed the congregation over phone. “There is no option but to address the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the people. Both India and Pakistan should initiate meaningful dialogue over Kashmir,” the Mirwaiz told the gathering.
He urged both countries to stop firing on the Line of Control immediately.
PROTESTS ON THE STREETS
Masked protesters carried a large Pakistani flag and unfurled it across the street to provoke security personnel amid the protest call by separatists.
Unfurling of the Pakistani flag has become a routine in the valley. The BJP-PDP government’s tough stance against separatists and exception to their pro-Pakistan rally has led to such protests. The Pakistan flag has been unfurled more than six times since March.
The security forces launched smoke shells and chased protesters in vehicles to bring the situation under control. Inspector general of police (IGP) Javaid Jillani had hinted at disallowing separatist protests. “No one will be allowed to disrupt law and order,” Jilani had said on Friday.
WHAT SPARKED VIOLENCE
The trigger of Saturday’s violent protests was the government decision to disallow Hurriyat chief Syed Ali Geelani to participate in Eid prayers. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik was also placed under house arrest in Lal Chowk.
In south Kashmir’s Anantnag town, 60 km south of Srinagar, protesters hurled stones at security forces. Scores of people, includ- ing cops, were injured in the stone pelting.
The state police were expecting protests on Eid. All officers were asked not to leave station without permission despite the Eid holiday.
Extra security personnel were deployed in sensitive locations.
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad blamed the BJP for its failure to contain growing separatism in Kashmir.
There is no option but to address the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the people. Both India and Pakistan should initiate meaningful dialogue over Kashmir. Both countries need to stop firing on the Line of Control immediately.
MIRWAIZ UMAR FAROOQ