Valley observes shutdown against attacks on Kashmiris in country
PDP holds protest rally, high-speed internet suspended, shops, businesses remain shut
:A complete shutdown was observed in Kashmir valley on Sunday as a mark of protest against the attacks and harassment of Kashmiris outside the Valley, days after a CRPF convoy was attacked which killed 40 CRPF men.
All the prominent political leaders from Kashmir including separatists condemned these attacks with former chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah warning that it will further alienate Kashmiris.
Traders’ bodies including Kashmir Economic Alliance and Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Forum (KTMF) had called for a Valley-wide bandh on Sunday against mob attacks on Kashmiris in Jammu and other states.
Most of the shops and businesses were closed in Srinagar and other district headquarters. Traffic movement on roads was thin. The weekly flea-market in the heart of capital was also closed due to the strike.
Authorities imposed restrictions on movement of people in the parts of old city and suspended high-speed mobile internet services after reports of harassment and attacks on Kashmiris filled the social media. The speed of broadband services was also curtailed.
The Peoples’ Democratic Party held a protest rally in Srinagar against the attack on Kashmiri students and other professionals.
“Attacks on a particular community, especially targeting of Kashmiris in Jammu and other states is unacceptable,” said Farhan Kitab, spokesman of KTMF.
The governor’s adviser Khurshid Ahmed Ganai with Kashmir divisional commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan Sunday reviewed the safety and security of students studying in different colleges and universities outside the state .
Khan informed the adviser that he was in constant touch with the authorities in different states who had assured of providing adequate security to the students. He was also informed that helplines have been set up by his office and police to register the queries of students and parents along with providing the response in real time.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti was equally critical over the attacks. “Tragic that educated & civilised citizens are spearheading a vicious propaganda to paint all Kashmiris with the same brush. What is the difference between you and those who indoctrinate vulnerable men for Jihad? Isn’t this also a type of religious indoctrination,” she wrote on twitter.