Shutdown, clashes in Valley against Govt’s decision to issue ‘domicile certificates’ to WPRs
5 Dariya News
Srinagar 30-Dec-2016
A complete shutdown amid clashes and protests was observed in Kashmir on Friday against State Government’s decision to issue ‘domicile certificates’ to West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) during which police detained senior resistance leader and JKLF chief Yasin Malik at Pulwama.According to GNS correspondent, the shutdown in all the ten districts of the Valley was observed on the call of joint resistance leadership while protests were held after Friday prayers. The resistance leadership has been demanding revocation of Government’s order to issue ‘domicile certificates’ to West Pakistan immigrants.As per programme, JKLF chief reached Pulwama in south Kashmir before onset of dawn and appeared at local Jamia Masjid during Fajr prayers. Malik was scheduled to lead a protest march after Friday prayers. Witnesses said soon after the Friday prayers, Malik along hundreds of people took out a protest march from Pulwama Jamia Masjid. Amid pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans, the marchers led by Malik tried to move towards Main Town.However, according to witnesses, a large contingent of police arrived on the spot and detained Malik. The witnesses said that Malik was manhandled by police while a JKLF spokesman alleged he sustained injuries.
The arrest of Malik triggered protests in Pulwama and youth pelted stones on cops, ensuing clashes.According to GNS, clashes erupted at Muran Chowk and in adjoining localities of the Pulwama. Police fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters but they offered stiff resistance and continued pelting stones. The clashes in the area continued for several hours amid complete lockdown.In Srinagar, pro-freedom protests were held outside Jamia Masjid after Friday prayers. The protesters shouted pro-freedom, pro-Islam and anti-India slogans and later a minor clash occurred between rock-throwing youth and government forces. Police fired some teargas shells and CRPF personnel were deployed in and around Jamia Masjid area.There was complete shutdown in summer capital with all the shops, commercial establishments and other stations closed. The public transport was off the roads while private transport was plying smoothly on all the routes. Clashes between youths and government forces erupted at Batamaloo and HMT areas of uptown as youths took to streets and held anti-India protests. The clashes continued intermittently throughout the day post-Friday prayers.Amid complete lockdown, clashes between government forces and youths erupted at Sopore Town of Baramulla district when large number of people came out of Jama Masjid and staged anti-India protests. Police used teargas against the protesters. The clashes also raged at Papchan in Bandipora district. Reports of clashes were also received from Tral in Pulwama district and Aripanthan in Budgam district. (GNS)