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Strike against Kousarnag Yatra in Kulgam; Tear-gassing, clashes at Nowhatta
KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 8/2/2014 11:27:21 AM
SRINAGAR, Aug 01: Normal life was paralysed for the third consecutive day today in Kulgam due to a general strike against Kousarnag Yatra. Police burst smoke shells and resorted to lathi-charge during clashes with demonstrators, protesting against the yatra at Nowhatta.
Peaceful protests were also held at some other places. The call for the protests was separately given by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) and Shabir Ahmad Shah, senior leader Hurriyat (JK). The two leaders have also called for a Valley wide general strike tomorrow.
Police last night arrested JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik from his residence at Maisuma. Other leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Shabir Ahmad Shah are under house arrest.
Normal life remained paralysed for the third consecutive day today in Kulgam and Manzgam in south Kashmir. Reports said that the strike was against the Kousarnag yatra. Shops and other business establishments remained closed and transport was off the roads. However, the strike day passed off peacefully.
Yesterday, police and paramilitary forces had foiled a march by Save Kousarnag Front (SKF) towards Kousarnag against the yatra by using force. A group of Pandits was not allowed to proceed towards Kousarnag for performing religious rituals.
Responding to the call of Geelani and Shah peaceful protests were held at several places. However, the protests at Nowhatta turned violent. After Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid people held demonstrations. They were also raising slogans against Israel.
The demonstrators clashed with police and CRPF at Nowhatta. The men in uniform fired smoke shells and resorted to lathi-charge. The demonstrators pelted stones. The clashes disrupted the normal life in the area. The shopkeepers pulled down their shutters and ran for safety. The vehicular traffic movement also came to a standstill.
Reinforcement of police and para-military forces was rushed to affected area to bring the situation under control. Tension also mounted in the adjoining areas. However, the police and paramilitary forces were able to bring the situation under control after some time.
Meanwhile, security arrangements are being tightened in Valley in view of the strike call by separatists for tomorrow. Authorities said that the security is being beefed up as a precautionary measure.