Srinagar: Kashmir Valley is observing a complete shutdown on the 5th anniversary of Afzal Guru’s hanging. The Joint Resistance Leadership had called for a strike in protest to reiterate their demand of the return of his mortal remains to his family.
Guru, was convicted in the attack which took place on the Indian Parliament and was hanged in 2013.
Shops and other business establishments remained closed in Srinagar city while as public transport was also off the roads. Reports of shutdown were also received from other district headquarters of the Valley, including Sopore – native town of Guru.
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Despite strict restrictions, protesters including pro freedom leaders managed to reach the residence of Guru in Jageer Ghat village to offer their condolences and register their protest.
Meanwhile, restrictions have been put in place in Srinagar’s Downtown area and also uptown’s Maisuma area. Contingents of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in full riot gear have been deployed in the areas where restrictions have been imposed.
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Train services between north Kashmir’s Baramulla town and Bannihal town in the Jammu region have been suspended as a precautionary measure.
The Resistance leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remain under house arrest while as JKLF Chief Mohammad Yasin Malik has been lodged in the Central Jail.
