Srinagar, June 11: Normal life across the Kashmir valley was paralyzed on Monday due to a strike, sponsored by Hurriyat Conference (G) to remember the youth who lost their lives during 2010 unrest in police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) firing.
Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has appealed the people to observe “Martyrs Week” in valley starting with Monday’s strike in memory of the youth who lost their lives in the summer of 2010, triggered by the death of Tufail Ahmad Matoo.
Matoo, a class 12 student, was killed in a cricket stadium after a tear gas shell fired by police hit him in Rajouri Kadal area of old city on June 11, 2010. Death of Matoo has triggered massive protest rage across Kashmir valley and police and CRPF had used bullets against protesting people.
Shops, business establishments and schools across the valley remained closed while banks and government offices witnessed thin attendance. The courts in Srinagar were also closed.
In old Srinagar, police and CRPF were deployed in every nook and corner to thwart any protest demonstration. The police and CRPF had laid razor wires and erected barricades at some road junctions. Armored vehicles were also seen at some road junctions in old Srinagar.
Life also remained crippled in Baramulla, Kupwara, Sopore, Handwara and Bandipora towns of north Kashmir due to the strike. But thin public transport plied on inter-district roads in north Kashmir.
Islamabad (Anantnag) town of south Kashmir was also affected due to strike as the shops, schools and business institutions remained closed. Thin traffic was witnessed on roads. The strike was also observed in Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian districts of south Kashmir.
It is in place to mention that in 2010, on the call of Geelani, Kashmir was shut for about five months during the unrest with government imposing curfew for months together. Even the restrictions were imposed on the distribution of news.
Geelani, besides appealing people to make the strike call a success, his Hurriyat has scheduled to organize a seminar titled “Don’t forget our blood” on June 14. He also called for a collective prayer assembly on June 17 at Eidgah, martyrs’ graveyard in old city.
The Hurriyat (G) has also appealed the Imams of all mosques across the valley to organize special prayers and take oath of reaffirmation that “nobody would be allowed to make a sell-out with the blood of martyrs.”

Lastupdate on : Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST