With shutdown entering 5thday, Government forces on Saturday foiled ‘LoC March’ of people of Karnah in Kupwara district who are up in arms against the implementation of NFSA.According to Srinagar based news agency GNS, the shutdown in Karnah today entered fifth day against the NFSA. The entire commercial and transport activities remained suspended in Karnah and even army vehicles remained confined to camps.As per locals, the authorities yesterday “backed off” from their word of providing ration as per old scale and closed down the ration stores. “After four rounds of talks, the two stores at Khudpora and Nawagabra opened and people were given ration as per old scale. However after sometime police arrived and the sale was closed on the directions of CAPD officials,” said the locals.A local of Karnah told GNS that today thousands of people from Karnah assembled on roads and started marching towards LoC.
“The protesters said that they will cross over to another Kashmir and would negotiate with the officials of Pakistan regarding ration. However when they reached Chamkote, police and CRPF forces stopped them and then civil officials also rushed to the spot,” he said.He said the Additional DC Kupwara, was among the top officials who negotiated with the protesters and assured them that a solution with regard to enhancing ration scale would be reached out in one week. “After the assurance of the ADC, people dispersed and decided to suspend the shutdown till Friday,” said the local. (GNS)