Govt foils Hurriyat rallies to Martyrs graveyard

Srinagar: State authorities on Wednesday imposed restrictions in this Capital City to scuttle the rallies called by the parallel factions of Hurriyat Conference to commemorate the anniversary of 1931 Martyrs.
On this day in 1931, 22 Kashmiris were massacred by the forces of autocratic ruler Maharaja Hari Singh outside the Srinagar’s Central Jail here. The victims were protesting against the prosecution of Abdul Qadeer, who raised voice against the atrocities committed by the autocratic ruler. Every year, this day is officially observed as Martyrs day.
Both factions of Hurriyat Conference had called for marches to the Martyrs graveyard Naqashabandh Sahab in Old City’s Khwaja Bazar to pay tribute to the Martyrs.
Reports said severe restrictions were clamped in this Capital City this morning to foil any attempt of the people to march towards the Martyrs graveyard. Thousands of paramilitary CRPF men and policemen carrying riot gear and assault rifles manned the lanes, by lanes and roads of this capital city and confined the residents indoors.
Restrictions were more intense in the areas falling under police station Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, and Rainawari to foil the proposed march to Martyrs graveyard.
The shrine of Naqash Bandh Sahab (RA), the venue of the Hurriyat march was sealed off by the troops and policemen with spools of concertina wire in advance. Besides the roads leading to the venue, the forces had also laid barricades around small lanes and by lanes to prevent the people from visiting the cemetery.
Many City residents complained of inconvenience due to the restrictions imposed by the authorities. Some of the residents even charged the troops and police of excesses while enforcing the restrictions.
“A police van fitted with siren appeared at Khayam chowk this morning and thrashed pedestrians without any reason or rhyme. They also ransacked the goods of street vendors,” Suhail Ahmad, an eyewitness said.
Meanwhile, life across the Valley remained affected today in view of the strike called by pro-freedom parties coupled with restrictions by the state government.
All shops, offices, banks, petrol pumps, business establishments and government offices across the Valley remained closed, while vehicles carrying mainstream politicians, troopers and cops were only seen plying on the deserted roads of the city.
Similar reports were received from other major towns and districts of the Valley.