AMN
Kashmir today witnessed violent protests in different cities and town after the Friday congregational prayers against the Tral killings. At least 21 policemen and 3 civilians were injured when violent protests broke out in Srinagar and Tral after the The most effected areas were Tral and Srinagar areas
The Jammu and Kashmir government however foiled ‘March to Tral’ by arresting separatist leader Masarat Alam and putting Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani under house arrest.
Reports said that scores of protesters raised anti-India slogans in Nowhatta area of the city and later clashed with the police resulting in the injuries. Police used tear smoke shells against the protesters resulting in chaos. The State government had denied permission for today’s proposed congregation at Tral to mourn killing of youths in alleged fake encounter.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed had directed the police to refuse permission for the rally which was scheduled to be taken from Srinagar to Tral and said that waving of Pakistani flags and raising pro-Pak slogans are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq led a procession in Srinagar against Tral killings and said it was unfortunate that the government had not given a clear statement on the issue.
Meanwhile, The hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat, who was today arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police in connection with the raising of Pakistani flags during a rally at Srinagar on Wednesday, has been shifted to police station Budgam.
Geelani calls for strike on Saturday
Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani Friday called for a shutdown in Kashmir valley tomorrow, 18 April 2015.
He appealed for a complete shutdown to protest against what he termed as “cold-blooded murder” of youth in Tral earlier this week.
In a statement, Geelani who was placed under house arrest last night, asked people to protest “unjustified and inhuman arrests of Hurriyat leaders”.