Srinagar, June 7: The Strike called by the separatists and the security restrictions placed by the authorities marked Indian prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Kashmir.
Indian Prime Minister, arriving in India occupied Kashmir - Photo: Nissar Ahmad
In response to the strike call given by separatist leaders against Indian PM’s visit, all shops, business establishments, government offices, educational institutions and banks in Indian Kashmir remained close while vehicular traffic was off the roads.
“We don’t believe in calling for frequent strikes but we have no option other than to stage a shutdown to protest against the Indian occupation of the region. Today’s strike is in protest against Manmohan Singh’s visit to Kashmir, continued human rights violations, killing of three yough in fake encounter, unidentified mass graves and military oppression,” said senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani.
Indian Premier arrived on a two-day visit to Kashmir amidst tight security measures on Monday. He was received at the airport by Kashmir’s chief minister Omar Abdullah, Governor N N Vohra and top army and civil officials.
Authorities had deployed hundreds of police and paramilitary CRPF soldiers in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to enforce security restrictions. The soldiers were not allowing more than four persons to assemble at a single place. In some areas in old city, the soldiers enforced tight restrictions and barred people from coming out of their homes.
Authorities had also sealed the picturesque Boulevard road and closed the Mughal gardens for public for two days to ensure hassle-free visit of Indian Prime Minister, who is scheduled to address a function on the banks of world famous Dal Lake in Boulevard road.
Keeping in view the security restrictions imposed by the authorities, all examinations scheduled for the day across Indian Kashmir were postponed.
However, defying restrictions youth tried stage anti-India demonstrations to protest recent killing of three youth in a fake encounter by Indian army and other Human Rights abuses taking place in Kashmir. However, they were dispersed by the police and paramilitary soldiers, who fired tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charge
The Indian premier is expected to renew talks offer to Kashmiri separatists, who have been demanding independence or merger with Pakistan.
