Post-Friday protests erupt against Zubin Mehta concert Srinagar: Protests erupted in some areas of Old City, Dargah Hazratbal and Baramulla town after Friday prayers in response to call given by Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani against Zubin Mehta Concert. Reports reaching Srinagar based news gathering agency #gulmarg #news said that soon after Friday prayers, hundreds of Kashmir University students holding banners and placards chanted pro- freedom slogans and shouted ‘Go Zubin Go Back’ slogans. Eyewitnesses told GNS that some graffiti “Go Zubin Go Back” were also displayed at various places. Massive protest demonstrations were held against the concert which lasted for an hour. “The concert is an Indian attempt to mislead the world community about the reality of Kashmir and its disputed status,” one of the students from Kashmir University said. “Despite Indian efforts, we will never forget our martyrs and will continue our ongoing movement till we achieve freedom,” another university student wishing anonymity said. Similarly, scores of youth took to streets at Kadi Kadal and Saraf Kadal in Old city against the music show. “However Police and CRPF men deployed in the area dispersed the protesting people. A minor stone pelting clash was also reported in the area,” reports said, adding that no one was injured in the incident. Later, the clashes also erupted in other areas of Old City including M R Gung and Kawdara. “Police exercised maximum restraint and chased away the stone-pelters which was sporadically going on till reports last came in,” a Police official told #GULMARG #NEWs. Reports of similar peaceful protests were also received from Bus Stand Baramulla, Khanpora Bridge and Jamia Masjid Kupwara against the Zubin Mehta concert. Categorically opposing the show, Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani had called for anti- Zubin concert protests after Friday prayers and a civil curfew on Saturday against the event. Meanwhile, security has been sounded alert and force personnel were asked to remain extra vigilant across the Srinagar city ahead of Zubin Mehta concert. The concert is the first of its kind in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and will see an audience of 1,500 guests including ministers, diplomats, industrialists, sports and Bollywood stars.
Posted on: Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:36:37 +0000
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