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Panic, shutdown in Srinagar after arrests, rumours

MAJID NABI. Dated: 2/24/2019 12:28:49 AM

SRINAGAR, Feb 23: A spontaneous shutdown was observed in parts of Srinagar city amidst clashes at several places here following rumors about “abrogation” of Article 35-A which is likely to be heard in the Supreme Court next week.
The hovering of jet aircrafts in the sky and Home department’s order to deploy 100 additional battalions of paramilitary forces in Srinagar gave sleepless night to the masses while the social media was abuzz with speculations regarding the likely scrapping of the constitutional act.
In addition, the overnight crackdown on separatists including JKLF Chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik and others made people to believe that something big is going to happen.
Police arrested JKLF Chief late last evening from his residence at Maisuma and lodged him at police station Kothibagh while dozens of activists of Jamaat-e-Islami were arrested during nocturnal raids at various places.
Spontaneous shutdown was observed in parts of Srinagar city including downtown with youth clashing with government forces at many places.
In Nowhatta area of old city, youth burnt tyres on the roads after rumours about scrapping of Article 35A. Minor stone pelting was also witnessed in the area.
Massive clashes also erupted at Karan Nagar and Chotta Bazar area of old city between deployed forces and local youth.
Reports said that the scuffle following verbal brawl broke out between paramilitary CRPF and local police at Karan Nagar. Clashes also broke out at Goni Khan area.
The decision of Home department regarding additional deployment and subsequent replacement of CRPF with BSF and SSB in Srinagar city sent shock waves to the people who were already apprehensive about uncertainty.
Rumours about suspension of high speed mobile internet were making rounds on social media. However, no such move was made by the authorities as of now in Srinagar and elsewhere.