Srinagar, Jan 26: Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown today in response to the strike call given by various pro-freedom leaders. Several leaders, including both Hurriyat factions and United Jehad Council chief Syed Salahuddin, had urged people to observe a strike on the Republic-day and observe it as a “black day.” Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic remained off the roads amidst unprecedented security arrangements. People preferred to stay indoors for the day to avoid the trouble of frisking. Police and CRPF men guarded roads while the armored vehicles were stationed at sensitive points across the summer capital. Security was heightened in uptown areas of Lal Chowk, Bakshi Stadium, main venue of the R-Day function, and adjoining areas to thwart any possible militant attack. Policemen with automatic rifles were positioned on the high-rise buildings to maintain a tight vigil. Every year the shutdown is observed on India’s Republic Day and Independence Day. Meanwhile, three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men of 161 bn were injured after scores of youth attacked their vehicle near Noorbagh area of Srinagar late this evening. The injured CRPF men were immediately shifted to hospital for treatment, a police official told GNS. Earlier in the day, the minor incidents of stone pelting were reported from Palhallan, Khanpora Baramulla and Bandipora. In Bandipora, the clashes erupted between youth and paramilitary forces soon after the republic day celebrations started at the SK Stadium. The venue was few meters away from the incident site, sources said. They said that clashes were later spread its adjoining area which include Nowpora, Nebrepora, Kaloosa and Papchan. The paramilitary forces used tear smoke shells to disperse the protesting youth. “A police constable identified as Jehangir Ahmad was injured at main town Bandipora after hit by a stone”, a police official said. Following the stone pelting incidents police allegedly raided different areas and detained at least five persons near hotel Alsaba in the main market, sources added. Mobile, Internet services shut: Mobile phones across Kashmir Valley Sunday fell silent from today morning till noon as service providers switched off the links following instructions from the security agencies as part of precautionary measures on Republic Day. “Mobile phone and portable Internet services were shutdown from today morning till noon to ensure that no electronically controlled remote control devices were operated by militants,” an official said adding this is part of the standard security drill. These services remain shut on Republic Day and Independence Day after militants used a mobile phone to trigger a bomb blast outside Bakshi Stadium in 2005. (GNS) ...###iru.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 05:25:37 +0000
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