Press Trust Of India
Srinagar, Oct 21: Opposition National Conference Saturday held a protest rally here against the Jammu and Kashmir government’s “failure” in nabbing the culprits behind the alleged braid chopping incidents in the state.
The rally, led by party general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, began its march from the party headquarters at the Nawa-e-Subah complex here. It was intercepted by the police and stopped from progressing towards Lal Chowk.
“The government knows who the real culprits are but still continues to maintain silence on this conspiracy. The government has failed miserably to ensure protection of our mothers, sisters and daughters,” Sagar said at the rally.
Reminding Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of the situation in Kashmir, Sagar said, “It is not only our party which has taken to the streets all over the Valley, but others have also joined the movement to remind the government of its primary responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of its people.”
He said people, irrespective of political affiliations, have spoken out against the government’s inability to tackle the spree of alleged braid chopping incidents.
Nothing concrete has been achieved even after nearly 100 incidents of braid chopping, Sagar claimed.
Restrictions in Srinagar after strike call by separatists
Meanwhile, Normal life in Kashmir was affected Saturday due to a strike called by separatist groups to protest against braid chopping incidents even as authorities imposed prohibitory orders in several areas of the city as a precautionary measure, officials said.
Schools, shops and other business establishments remained closed due to the strike called by separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik.
Public transport remained off roads but some private vehicles could be seen plying in the civil lines area of the city, the officials said.
The separatists had called for a shutdown against the increasing braid chopping attacks in Kashmir over the past one month.
The Srinagar District Magistrate said restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC would continue to remain in force parts of the city as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident.
The areas where restrictions have been imposed are police stations Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, MR Gunj, Safakadal and partially in Kralkhud and Maisuma, he said.