Shopian, May 29: Despite no call given by any organization on the anniversary of alleged double-murder and rape of Asiya Jan and Neelofar, a complete strike was observed in Shopian town on Tuesday.
All shops and business establishments remained closed while transport was also off the roads.
“The strike is a tribute to the two women and to remind the world about the incident of 29th May 2009. We are with their family always and will struggle for justice to them,” a group of locals said.
Hurriyat Conference (G) had given a strike call on the issue for May 29 but later postponed it to May 30 in view of Mela Khirbawani, a religious occasion of Kashmiri Pandits.
Asiya Jan and Neelofar were found dead in Rambiara nallah, near police and forces camp, on this day in 2009 after they had left home for their orchards. Locals said the two were raped and murdered allegedly by men in uniform. The incident triggered massive protests across the valley during which several youth were killed in forces and police firing.
While talking to Greater Kashmir, Shakeel Ahangar- the brother of Asiya Jan and husband of Neelofar- said, “I am very thankful to people of Shopian and Kashmir who helped me and stood with me at every step. I can’t forget their concern for me and my family. My son Suzain is still waiting for his mother and aunt.”
He said that forces were harassing him and his family from last several days. “Army came many times to my home and were looking for me. They told my family that what is our new program regarding the deaths,” Shakeel said.

MAJLIS ORGANIZES SEMINAR
 Meanwhile, a seminar was also organized by Majis-e- Mushawarat, an amalgam spearheading the campaign to seek justice to Asiya and Neelofar. The speakers on the occasion while remembering the martyrs of the movement pledged to take struggle to its logical conclusion. Local alleged that district administration and police made every attempt to foil the programme.
 Syed Ali Shah Geelani addressed the seminar over phone while JKLF leaders Showkat Bakshi, Noor Muhammad Kalwal, Abdul Samad Inqalabi  Chairman Islami Tanzeem e Azadi, Muhammad Rafiq Ganai Chairman Peoples Freedom League, Moulvi Bashir of Kashmir Mass Movement, Muhammad Yousuf Mir of Muslim League also spoke on the occasion.
 The APDP chairperson Parveena Ahanger also participated in the seminar and visited the house of the Shakeel Ahanger and expressed solidarity with him.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 IST