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Shutdown in Kashmir, restrictions at several places

MAJID NABI. Dated: 2/10/2019 2:34:58 PM

Afzal Guru's 6th death anniversary

SRINAGAR, Feb 9: Complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir amid stringent restriction in parts of Srinagar and north Kashmir today to mark the 6th death anniversary of Mohammad Afzal Guru.
Afzal Guru who is survived by wife Tabbasum and son Ghalib (18) was secretly executed and buried in Tihar Jail on this day in 2013 in parliament attack case.
Separatist conglomerate, Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising of ailing separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, Mohammad Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq while calling for complete shutdown reiterated their demand to return mortal remains of Guru to his family.
JRL has also called for complete shutdown on February 13 to mark 35th death anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) founder, Mohammad Maqbool Bhat who was also hanged and buried inside Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984.
All the shops, commercial establishments and fuel stations were closed while thin attendance was recorded in government and semi-government offices and courts.
To thwart any attempt of protests, authorities imposed restrictions in sensitive parts of Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore.
In the city centre Lal Chowk and Maisuma roads were blocked with iron barricades and razor wires with heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces made to thwart any attempt by separatist to lead or participate in any protest rally.
Heightened security arrangements were put in place by the authorities with all entry and exit points sealed in old city. People were allowed to move only after thorough frisking and checking by the forces.
In Seer Jageer locality the native place of Guru in Sopore town, stringent restrictions were imposed with posse of police and paramilitary CRPF manning deserted streets.
Various separatist and mainstream leaders visited Guru’s residence at Seer Jageer and condole with the family on his death anniversary.
Activists of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) also staged demonstrations in Seer Jageer to protest "unwarranted" execution of Guru. They also demanded mortal remains of Guru to be returned to his family for burial at his native village.
Authorities also placed Hurriyat (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house detention at his residence at Nigeen this morning. Hurriyat (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani continued to be under arrest at his Hyderpora residence.
Reports of complete shutdown and restrictions were also received from south and north Kashmir districts. In central Kashmir including Budgam and Ganderbal people observed complete shutdown in response to the JRL call to mark the 6th death anniversary of Afzal Guru.