This south Kashmir town observed a complete shutdown amid clashes for third consecutive day today against the killing of five persons in CRPF firing earlier this month. Shops, schools, colleges, petrol pumps and offices remained closed while traffic was off the roads. “A civil curfew remained in force in the town as not a single shop was open. Neither private, nor public transport plied on the roads,” locals said. Though there was no deployment in place but the streets wore a deserted look. However, youth raising pro-freedom slogans appeared on the streets and pelted stones on the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office. However, force personnel deployed there lobbed tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters. Clashes between force personnel and agitated youth again erupted late in the evening at main bazar of the town and were on when this report was filed. They said that Police and CRPF lobbed tear gas shells and pepper gas to disperse the youth who pelted stones and hurled bricks. Lawyers in the District Court also suspended the work. “We will continue to observe shutdown and hold protests till the CRPF men involved in the killing of innocents are no identified and punished,” locals said. They are also demanding the removal of Gagran CRPF camp. The process of replacing the CRPF persons in the camp with Jammu Kashmir Armed Police (JKAP), ordered by the government has already begun. However the local traders have sought a deadline regarding the completion of process. The residents have also been demanding complete vacation of the camp instead of replacing it with JKAP. District administration convened a meeting of traders federation, transporters and civil society to end the deadlock and convince them to call off the shutdown. However, meeting failed to break the ice. “We have already assured the people that relocation of camp will be completed shortly . Now they have to take the decision,” said Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shopian, Bashir Ahmad Bhat. However, the trade union members said that a decision on shutdown or otherwise would be taken after taking everyone on board. Pertinently, curfew was lifted from Shopian town after 15 days on September 22 (Sunday). Four persons were killed and another injured in CRPF firing at Gagrain on September 7 while as another man was shot dead by the forces of the same camp four days later. ‘Section 144 CrPC in Shopian till 10th Oct’ District Magistrate Shopian on Tuesday said the General Public is informed that section 144 CrPC is already in vogue for a period of one month till 10th of October 2013, by virtue of which the assembly of five or more persons is not allowed. Shabir Shah visits Shopian The Chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Shabir Ahmed Shah on Tuesday said that sacrifices rendered by people of Kashmir can never go in a vain and the ongoing movement would be taken to its logical end. Addressing a gathering here in south Kashmir Shah said, “Kashmiris will keep on resisting till they achieve their goal.” Shah accompanied by Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference (S) Chairman Shabir Ahmad Dar and Jammu Kashmir Islamic Political Party Chairman Muhammad Yusuf Naqash visited Shopian and Kulgam today and expressed solidarity with the families of the youth killed in CRPF firing. Applauding the role of people of Shopian, Shah said that whole nation is with them.
Posted on: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 05:54:01 +0000
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