Identity Certificate Row:
Kashmir valley shuts amid protests, clashes
Srinagar, Dec 30: Valley witnesses shutdown, protests and clashes on Friday against issuance of “Identity certificates” to 1947-communal partition commonly referred as West Pakistani Refugees residing in Jammu areas, even as Valley's top separatist leaders threatened the government's move and threatened state-wide agitation “if it is not rolled back forthwith.”
The joint anti-India leadership—Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik—had urged people to stage protests against what they termed “settlement” of WPRs in Jammu and Kashmir through issuance of ‘domicile' certificates, on Friday. The leaders had also called for a complete strike against the move that has come in from severe criticism from several quarters. The shutdown call evoked a complete response as shops remained shut while traffic remained off the roads.
Clashes and protests erupted shortly, as usual, after Friday prayers in Pulwama district while police arrested JKLF Chief Muhammad Yasin Malik when he tried to lead a protest march in the district. Reports said that Malik was detained after he attempted to lead a protest rally after Friday prayers. Police personnel deployed outside the mosque swooped on him as soon as he came out.
Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest and was not allowed to lead Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid.
Protests and clashes were reported from Batamaloo area also. Reports said that scores of youth clashed with police after Friday prayers. Police burst tear-smoke shells to disperse the agitating youth who hurled stones on forces personnel.
Protest was staged by Tehreek-e-Hurriyat in Hyderpora Srinagar. Syed Ali Geelani, the Hurriyat leader continued to be under house arrest at his Hyderpora residence. The protest was led by Pir Saifullah, Imtiyaz Hyder, Gazi Javaid Baba, Abdul Hamid Magray.
Reports said amid complete shutdown in Baramulla district, clashes between protesting youth and police were reported from Sopore area on Friday afternoon. Witnesses said that scores of youth assembled outside the Jamia Masjid area and started shouting pro-freedom slogans. Forces deployed in the area fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters who were throwing stones.
