Srinagar, Feb 11 : Amid restrictions in Srinagar parts, a complete shutdown was on Monday observed across the Valley to commemorate the 35th anniversary of JKLF founder member, Muhammad Maqbool Bhat, who was hanged and buried in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail on this day in the year 1984.
The shutdown call was given by Joint Resistance Leadership including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik and had appealed people to protest on this day.
However, the authorities imposed restrictions in Srinagar areas including Lal Chowk near Ganta Ghar to thwart any possible protest called by JRL.
Police and paramilitary troopers were deployed on the roads to prevent protests while as temporary barricades were erected at some places to curtail pedestrian and vehicular movement in these areas. Police and CRPF men were seen patrolling the deserted streets in old Srinagar while as armoured vehicles were also seen at some road junctions to thwart any possible protests called by the leadership.
Meanwhile following the call given by JRL, all the shops, businesses establishments, petrol pumps and private offices remained closed across the Valley while as public transport also remained affected but private vehicles were seen plying on the roads.
Moreover, the residents of Trehgam Kupwara, the native village of Maqbool Bhat staged a protest today, demanding mortal remains of Maqbool Bhat.
The protesters as per reports carried out a rally towards main market amid sloganeering and demanded authorities to return the mortal remain of Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru.
Meanwhile, minor clashes erupted at few places including Habba Kadal where forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth.
A top police official told news agency that barring stray incidents of stone pelting incidents, the situation across the Valley remained peaceful and under control.
Meanwhile, scores of JRL activists tried to carry out a protest rally to demand the return of mortal remains of JKLF founder on his 35th death anniversary.
Scores of the JRL activists and supporters assembled at Maisuma and staged a protest to and demand the return of mortal remains of Bhat and Guru who were buried at New Delhi’s Tihar jail following their execution.
Witnesses said that policemen deployed in the area swung into action and bundled the protesters in police vans and lodged them at Kothi Bagh police station.
However, Geelani and Mirwaiz continued to remain under house detention while as Malik remained under police custody who was detained on last Wednesday at Abi Guzar. (KNS)
Kashmir shuts to commemorate 35th anniversary of Maqbool Bhat
