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Saturday, Sep 30, 2006
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Strike hits normal life in Kashmir

Shujaat Bukhari

Protest against court order to execute Afzal in Parliament attack case; 60 injured in clashes

STREET BATTLE: Protesters take it out on policemen during a demonstration in Srinagar on Friday. — Photo: Nissar Ahmad

SRINAGAR: Normal life in Kashmir came to a grinding halt on Friday, as protests against the court order to execute Mohammad Afzal Guru in the Parliament attack case continued for the third consecutive day. Senior separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Shabir Shah were put under house arrest.

Over 60 people, including 10 police personnel, were injured in violent clashes with the police opening fire at many places.

In response to a strike call by separatists and supported by the United Jehad Council, shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed. Transport was off the road.

Tension was visible in Srinagar and other major towns with the authorities increasing deployment of the police and paramilitary personnel to maintain law and order.

In over a dozen places thousands of people took to the streets demanding review of the court order. Women also joined the protests.

At Maisuma, Lal Chowk, Saraibala and Jamia Masjid the protesters pelted stones at the police, which led to violent clashes.

The police detained 10 activists of Sajjad Ghani Lone's Jammu and Kashmir Peoples' Conference when they tried to break a police cordon at Regal Chowk in Srinagar.

Javed Mir, leader of JKLF (Rajbagh), led a demonstration at Nowhatta which was dispersed by the police. Pitched battles continued for many hours.

Reports of protests came from major towns of Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, Baramulla and Sopore. Over 50 civilians and 10 policemen were injured in the clashes.

In the border town of Uri a strike was observed for the first time in the last 18 years.

Srinagar police chief S.A. Mujtaba confirmed that some people were injured but said the "situation is well under control."

Chairman of the hard-line faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani was put under house arrest for the second consecutive day. Democratic Freedom Party leader Shabir Ahmad Shah and president of National Front Mohammad Nayeem Khan were also placed under house arrest.

However, JKLF chairman Yasin Malik managed to reach Afzal Guru's Doabgah village to extend solidarity with his family.

He later led a procession and staged a dharna. Mr. Malik is leaving for Delhi to mobilise public opinion to save Afzal Guru.

Eight journalists injured

At least eight journalists were wounded when Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel allegedly beat them up.

The incident took place when a group of journalists was covering a demonstration outside the Srinagar Jamia Masjid. ``They even aimed their guns at us," said one journalist. The equipment of lensmen was also damaged. The injured journalists were admitted to hospital. Sajjad Hussain and Tauseef Mustafa of AFP were the two who sustained serious injuries.

Inspector General of CRPF A.P. Maheswari rushed to the spot and expressed regret for the incident. ``I have taken serious note of the incident and placed under suspension constable Ram Nivas and also ordered an enquiry into the incident after talking to mediapersons who showed me clippings," the IG told The Hindu.

Disciplinary action has also been initiated against the Platoon Commander incharge. In future, the officer said, a person would be exclusively deployed with every CRPF column on duty to facilitate the work of the mediapersons. The Kashmir Press Photographers Association condemned the incident.

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