Kashmir Valley, Chenab region shuts against murder of Zahid, Restriction in Old City

5 Dariya News

Srinagar 19-Oct-2015

A complete shutdown was observed in Kashmir Valley and Chenab region of Jammu Division against the murder of an Anantnag trucker by the goons of Hindutva outfits in Udhampur while authorities imposed curbs in Old City to thwart the protests.According to GNS correspondent, all the shops, commercial establishments, educational institutes, banks and petrol pumps were closed across Valley against the murder of 23 year old Zahid Rasool Bhat of Botengo Anantnag. He had sustained critical burn injuries after goons set a Kashmiri truck on fire on October 9 at Shiv Nagar in Udhampur. Zahid along with his associate Showkat was admitted in Safdarjung hospital of Delhi but he succumbed yesterday morning.

The call for shutdown was given by almost all the pro-freedom leaders, traders and transporters while a Pandit body based in Valley had extended support to it.The authorities imposed strict restrictions in areas falling under five police stations of Old City to contain protests. The police stations include Safa Kadal, Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Rainawari and Khanyar. Since early morning hundreds of policemen and paramilitary troopers were deployed in Old City and they restricted the civilian movement. The forces had erected barbed wires and armoured vehicles on bridges and junctions of the Old City.The curbs were also imposed in Maisuma police station area in Civil Lines where scores of forces men were deployed in lanes and by-lanes. The additional deployment of forces was also made in Lal Chowk and its adjoining areas. A group of protesters in Habba Kadal area of downtown here took to streets and pelted stones on forces.

The clashes between forces and protesters erupted at various places in Old City soon after the restrictions were lifted, local residents said. Police fired teargas and pepper gas to disperse the demonstrators, they added.Meanwhile, the shutdown was also observed in other parts of the Valley. The roads and streets in the district headquarters wore a deserted look. However the overall situation remained peaceful throughout the day.To protest the murder of Zahid, the shutdown was also observed in Doda, Kishtiwar and Banihal Townships of Chenab region while the protests were also held. The call for shutdown was given by local Muslim organizations. Scores of people today staged massive protests at Doda and demanded blanket ban on Hindutva outfits. (GNS)