Srinagar, July 13 (GNS): Authorities foiled Joint Resistance Leadership’s call for Naqshband Sahib ‘Chalo’ by imposing restrictions even as Kashmir valley observed a complete strike on Friday. The authorities also prevented JRL leaders, Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from marching towards the shrine of Naqshband Sahib (RA) while chairman JKLF Muhammad Yasin Malik, who was arrested by police on July 6, remained lodged at police station Kothibagh.
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.
Report said that all shops and business established remained closed while traffic, both public and private, remained off the roads.
Police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed in strength while barricades and concertina wire were placed on the roads to restrict the movement of people. No Friday prayers were allowed at historic Jamia Majid here.
Reports of strike were observed from all districts and towns of the Valley. In Kupwara, curfew-like restrictions remained imposed in Trehgam where army on Wednesday killed a 20-year-old youth while injured another person after “stone pelting” on its vehicles.
Reports said that the authorities did not allow Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid Trehgam while stone pelting clashes were reported from Badergam and Hirri areas of the district. At Batergam people alleged ransacking of their houses by forces.
Meanwhile, stone pelting clashes were reported from Nowshera, Soura and Mouchawa area o Srinagar. Police and paramilitary forces resorted to teargas shelling to disperse the protesters. However, there were no reports of injury to anyone in the clashes.
The JRL had urged people to march to Mazar-e-Shuhada Naqshband Sahib (RAto pay tributes to all martyrs and other civilians killed in separate incidents by forces. (GNS)
