A complete shutdown was observed in district Doda and other parts of Chenab valley by the members of members community in protest against the killings in Kashmir, random arrest of Muslim youth in Chenab Valley and detention of popular lawyer under draconian Public Safety Act..The shops and other business establishments remained completely closed in all the major towns of District Doda including Bhaderwah, Doda, Thathri, Ghat and Bhalessa . Thin traffic movement was witnessed on the roads. The call for shutdown was given by Anjuman Islamia Bhaderwah, Anjuman Islamia Gandoh and Masjid Committee Thathri and Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar.Eyewitnesses told CNS that a peaceful sit-in was held in Bhaderwah that was led by president Anjuman Islamia Bhadarwah President Pervaiz Ahmed Sheikh. Holding placards and banners seeking end to civilian killings in Kashmir and detention of Muslim youth from Chenab Valley.
The protesters also demanded that release of Advocate Hassan Babur Nehru, leader of Anjuman-e-Islamia who was arrested by police on Saturday night at 10pm from Mohallah Sah Faridabad in Doda and booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and sent to Central Jail. The Jammu police has lodged 3 FIRs against him for anti-national activities.“We appealed for peaceful protest in Chenab Valley against the government forces and collation government for killing and torturing the innocent civilians in Kashmir,” said Anjuman Islamia Bhadarwah President Pervaiz Ahmed Sheikh.”Our shutdown call was also to show our resentment and to lodge a strong protest against the Government of India and RSS backed communal forces for trying to disturb peace in the region. “The communal elements are at the helm of affairs in the Chenab Valley who are targeting Muslims while police and administration are at the beck and call. We whole-heartedly condemn the atrocities inflicted by government troopers upon civilians in Kashmir Valley,” he said. Authorities as a precautionary measure had deployed extra security personnel in all major towns of district Doda to avert any untoward incident. (CNS)