The Hindu : National : Hurriyat strike hits normal life

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Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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National

Hurriyat strike hits normal life

Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR: A general strike to protest the killing of the former Pakistan Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, crippled normal life in most parts of Kashmir. Protestors clashed with police at several places injuring at least 30 people. “Nimaze-e-Jinaza” in Benazir’s absence was offered by thousands in Srinagar.

Interestingly, the call for strike was given by the hard-line Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Geelani, and it was criticised by some radical outfits. The shutdown was complete in downtown Srinagar and some uptown localities and major towns of Kashmir. Shops and business establishments remained closed in the city centre at Lalchowk in the old city, and other areas. However traffic was not affected.

After Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, hundreds took out a procession chanting slogans.

They later clashed with the police and at least 30 persons, including four CRPF men, were injured.

Witnesses said policemen lobbed tear gas canisters and resorted to repeated baton charge to disperse violent demonstrators in Nowhata here. Raising “pro-Pakistan and freedom” slogans, the demonstrators blocked the main road and pelted stones on police and security personnel.

However, when they tried to move towards the main chowk, the police resorted to baton charge. Later, the police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators who were regrouping and pelting stones.

Mirwaiz Umar and other separatistsleft for Mirwaiz manzil through another gate.

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