Kashmir News Bureau
Srinagar, Dec 22 (KNB): Widespread protests were witnessed on Friday against the civilian killings in Kashmir on the call of protests by Joint Resistance Leadership comprising of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik. The government imposed strict curfew like restriction in parts of Srinagar including at downtown which houses the Kashmir’s grand mosque to maintain law and order.
Besides Geelani, Mirwiaz was put under house confinement on Thursday evening while as this morning JKLF Chairman Malik was detained and shifted to Central Jail Srinagar. No Friday congregation prayers were allowed for the 19th week this year at Kashmir’s central mosque.
Pertinently, three civilians Misra Bano, Asif Iqbal both hailing from North Kashmir and Rubiya Jan of Shopian were killed in forces firing during the last eight days. The JRL has called for protests over the killings, while on Wednesday a complete shutdown was also observed as a protest against these killing.
Reports reaching Kashmir News Bureau, Awami Action Committee leaders and activists including Sufi Mushtaq Ahmad, Advocate Yasir Dalal, Sahil Ahmad and others assembled at Jinab Sahab Soura after congregational Friday prayers and took out a march against the recent civilian killings in Kashmir, the rally saw the participation of Hundreds of people. The protesters, carrying banners of the infants left by the two women, raised slogans against the government and its forces.
Similar rally were also carried by JKLF and Hurriyat (G) members and activists at Maisuma and Hyderpora Srinagar respectively.
An official of the district administration said that the restrictions under section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed areas failing under the jurisdiction of five police stations which includes Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, M.R.Gunj and Safa Kadal in the old city areas, adding, partial restrictions also remained in force in Maisuma and Kralkhud.
Hundreds of people Friday joined today the protest march led by MLA Langate Sheikh Abdul Rashid in Handwara to protest against civilian killings at the hands of security forces in Shopian, Kupwara, Handwara and other places. Protesters were chanting pro-plebiscite and anti-forces slogans and demanding immediate end to ‘state terrorism.’
The surroundings of Jamia Masjid on Friday presented a deserted view as authorities imposed curfew like restrictions in and around the valley. Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who delivers sermon at Jamai Masjid while taking a dig on Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over the repeated imposition of restrictions tweeted “18th Friday of this year Jama Masjid locked down once again by the Anti Muslim ruling regime.” He further said that MehboobaMufti following the path, rather breaking the record of her predecessors by disallowing Muslims from offering Friday prayers and imposing restrictions in Share-e-Khaas.
Meanwhile Hurriyat (G) spokesman in a statement has said that the continue house detention of amalgam Chairman Syed Ali Geelani has entered in 8th year, the spokesman termed the action of government to place ailing leader continuous house arrest as ‘state terrorism.’ (KNB)