Downtown observes complete shutdown to protest forces highhandedness

5 Dariya News

Srinagar 26-May-2018

A complete shutdown was observed in the downtown area of the Srinagar city on Saturday the “forces highhandedness,” after yesterday’s congregational Friday Prayers. All the shops, business establishments and other offices were closed in Nowhatta, Gojwara, Bohrikadal, Rajourikadal and Khwaja Bazar areas of Srinagar.Patiently soon after the Hurriyat (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressed the congregation inside the Jamia Masjid, nearly a dozen youth took out a protest rally.The large contingents of police and paramilitary CRPF, deployed outside the mosques’ gates, responded by firing tear smoke canisters and pellets. 

Chased, the protestors took refuge inside the compound of the mosque.The clashes intensified, resulting in injuries to several among the protesters and shopkeepers, many of them hit by pellets in their faces, chests, and eyes.Meanwhile the Hurriyat (M) says that the historic Jamia Masjid will be closed for further prayers until the blood spilled on its floors is cleaned.“Heavy deployment of Govt forces around JamaMasjid even in this holy month leading to tension & agitation. Dozens of civilians injured after forces resorted to pellet &teargas shelling! Large numbers of people unable to come out of the mosque. Condemn the deployment and forces action,” Mirwaiz wrote in a tweet. (PTK)