Valley observes shutdown on Hurriyat call

Srinagar: A complete shutdown on Saturday was observed across the Valley in response to the call given by pro-freedom Hurriyat Conference, spearheading the ongoing ‘Quit Kashmir’ movement across the state.

In the latest protest programme announced last week, Syed Ali Shah Geelani led Hurriyat faction had called for a complete shutdown for three running days starting today to attract the attention of United States, President, Barrack Hussain Obama who reached on three day trip to India this afternoon.

Eyewitnesses told KMW that a complete strike was observed in all the major towns and districts of the Valley today in view of the call given by Syed Ali Shah Geelani led Hurriyat faction.

All shops, offices, educational institutes, banks, petrol pumps, business establishments and government offices remained closed throughout the day in response to the strike call given by the pro-freedom leadership. Public transport was also off the roads, while private vehicles were seen plying on all the major roads and highways across the Valley.

In Srinagar, the capital city, thousands of paramilitary CRPF troops and policemen armed with sophisticated weapons and riot gear guarded the deserted streets, lanes and by lanes to foil any attempt of the people to stage pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. However, co curfew or restrictions were imposed on the movement of people.

Meanwhile, clashes broke out in many parts of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district this afternoon.

Press Bureau of India correspondent from North Kashmir said that dozens of youth took to streets in Pattan area of the district and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. Chanting “We want freedom,” “Islam Zindabad,” “Go India Go Back,” the protesters pelted rocks and stones on the forces. The forces fired warning shots after they failed to disperse the protesters with tear smoke shells. The pitched continued for over two hours. However, no reports of any injury were received.

Protesters and forces also exchanged brick bats in Khanpora locality of the district.

In Sopore and Sheeri, undeclared curfew was clamped by the authorities fearing pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations.

Reports of complete shutdown were also received from other major towns and districts of the Valley.

The police said that the situation in Kashmir remained ‘by and large’ peaceful.

“Situation remained normal and under control,” a police spokesman said.