Islamabad, June 8: Amid protests, a complete shutdown was observed here in this South Kashmir town for the 6th consecutive day with Islamabad Welfare Committee, formed in the wake of recent expose’ of sex racket, seeking fulfillment of demands before calling off the strike.
 Shops, schools, public and private offices remained closed while traffic remained off the roads. Earlier, in the morning demonstrators marched from Lal Chowk and passed throughout the town. In the evening, another protest was organized near Jamia Masjid where Mirwaiz South Kashmir, Qazi Yasir, heading the Committee comprising civil society and Traders addressed the people.
 “We convened a meeting wherein we chartered certain demands which would be put before police and administration,” Yasir said adding the strike would be called off as soon as the demands were fulfilled.
 “Our first demand is action be taken against the police officials involved in the dereliction of duties, when they didn’t arrest the main accused even two days after the photos of him in objectionable positions with girls surfaced. Also, the interference of territorial army when they arrested the accused blackmailer, Arshad Hagroo, tortured him and later handed him over to police during which, the evidences were destroyed needs to be investigated.”
 He said the racket should be investigated and if at all public feels that the police was trying to cover up, they would be responsible for the repercussions
 He demanded imposing of Public Safety Act against the main accused Manzoor Ahmad Keeloo proprietor Monaliza studio.
 People, then seconded the demands and decided to call off strike once the demands are fullfilled.
 Meanwhile, Islamabad Bar Association has decided to monitor the case and give legal suggestions to the Committee.
 Meanwhile, some youth pelted stones on the police at Janghlat Mandi, Cheeni Chowk, Malakh Nag and Reeshi Bazar which was retaliated by teargas shelling and baton charge injuring several including the policemen.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST