Restrictions in Kashmir to prevent protests on Maqbool Bhat hanging anniversary
5 Dariya News
Srinagar 11-Feb-2018
A complete shutdown is being observed on the hanging anniversary of Maqbool Bhat, while authorities deployed contingents of paramilitary forces to thwart any attempts of protests by the people.In summer capital Srinagar’s downtown locality, strict restrictions were imposed by the authorities.Hundreds of people including women's and children's on Sunday staged a protest in Trehgam village of Kupwara in north Kashmir on the eve of death anniversary of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat.According to PTK correspondent, scores of people including family members and relatives of Maqbool Bhat took out a peaceful protest march from Maqbool Abad but police didn't allow them to move ahead towards main market at Trehgam.According to reports, the Protestors carry placards of JKLF founder Muhammad Maqbool Bhat and shouting pro-freedom slogans were demanding the return of mortal remains of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) founder.Bhat was executed and buried in New Delhi’s Tihar jail on 11 February in 1984.Meanwhile, curfew-like restrictions imposed in several areas of North Kashmir to foil pro-Bhat protests and all the entry and exit points have been sealed with concertina wires and barricades.
While addressing the people at Trehgam, Chairperson of JK Peoples Democratic Movement Tanveer Fatimah said Kashmir’s living across the globe organized several meetings, protests and rallies today to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of their leader.“The struggle and martyrdom of father of Kashmiri nation is a glorious chapter of our history that will always guide us through the tough journey of freedom struggle,” Fatimah said.“Maqbool Butt not only showed us how to continue struggle and resistance when free but also illustrated before us the way to continue resistance from jails and incarceration centres."While talking to media, Zahoor Bhat brother of Maqbool Bhat," highlighting the sacrifices of the JKLF founder said that despite its repressive policies India could not subdue the political resolve of Kashmiri people. They said that with a view to suppress freedom sentiment in Kashmir India in 1984 sent Maqbool Bhat to the gallows.'He said that during ongoing struggle hundreds and thousands of Kashmir’s were killed by forces.
They said that large-size and ever-increasing grave-yards in Kashmir and unnamed mass graves spread in the length and breadth of Kashmir valley stand witness to the sufferings inflicted upon the people of Kashmir.The Mother of Mohd Maqbool Bhat, Shahmali Begum said that New Delhi should remember that they couldn’t end the freedom struggle of Kashmiri's by sending Bhat to gallows. She added that my sons have made me proud. I want Azadi she said and said the youth who joined freedom group should continue the process of freedom till Azadi.Meanwhile Kupwara were witnessed a complete shutdown in response to the strike call over the Maqbool Bhat’s Anniversary. All shops were closed and traffic movement was badly affected were Normal life was disrupted in Kupwara due to the strike. Shops, banks, business establishments and fuel stations were closed due to the strike. The roads in Kupwara wore a deserted look as public and private transport remained off the roads.Curfew like situation was seen in this district .Heavy forces, Police and CRPF men's were deployed at several places in town Kupwara and other towns as well .The shutdown was also observed in some other areas of district Kupwara are Kulangam, Handwara, Trehgam, Kralpora, Lolab, Langate and main Town Kupwara. (PTK)