Shutdown against search operations, killings in held Kashmir

HELD SRINAGAR: A complete shutdown was observed in Indian-held Kashmir on Sunday against cordon and search operations and killings by Indian forces in the Valley.

All businesses were closed and roads were deserted. The call for the strike had been given by the Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik. Strict restrictions were imposed in Srinagar to prevent anti-India protests. The train service remained suspended for the second day. The internet service was also suspended in some parts of the Valley.

All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Gilani, in a statement, said Pakistan's permanent envoy to the United Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi's stand on Kashmir was in accordance with the historical and ground realities of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan had been making all-out efforts for the implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir for decades. He urged international human rights organisations to take cognizance of the worsening situation in Kashmir.

A large number of women held pro-freedom protests in the Hajin area of Banidpora against the killing of six youth by Indian troops. They raised anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. Funeral prayers-in-absentia for the martyred youth were held at Chandergaer.

Meanwhile, a Hurriyat(M) spokesman condemned imposition of curfew and restrictions in parts of Srinagar, shifting of JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik to central jail, Srinagar, and placing Mirwaiz under house confinement. He said such acts were the worst form of repression and dictatorship.