Srinagar, Sep 20: Apprehending eruption of fresh protests on Friday against the blasphemous film, the authorities Thursday announced closure of all government and private educational institutions including colleges across the Valley.
Pertinently, Pakistan has also announced a public holiday on Friday and decided to observe the day as “Love the Prophet (SAW) Day” as a mark of protest against the anti-Islam film that has triggered violent demonstrations across the Muslim world.
An official statement issued by the state government here this evening said that all educational institutions including colleges shall remain closed on September 21(Friday). The announcement for closure of educational institutions in the Valley, according to the official handout, was made by the Director Colleges and Director School Education Kashmir. However, the official statement did not mention the reason behind the closure of these institutions.
“According to Director Colleges, all Government Degree Colleges of Kashmir Division shall remain closed on September 21, 2012 (Friday),” reads the official handout adding that the Director School Education, Kashmir, has also ordered that all the Government and Private Schools of Kashmir valley shall remain closed on September 21, 2012 (Friday).
Highly placed sources said that both the orders were issued on the directions from the government. “We were asked to announce the closure of schools by the government and we did the same. We have nothing more to say in this regard,” a senior official of the Education Department, wishing anonymity, told Greater Kashmir. “We have dispatched the orders regarding closure of the educational institutions to the Deputy Commissioners and Chief Education Officers and have asked them to implement the same,” the official added.
On Tuesday, people in large numbers in every nook and corner of the state held strong protest demonstrations against the blasphemous film produced in the US. However, barring few minor incidents of violence, the protests remained peaceful.
The state cabinet on Wednesday also denounced the outrageous film and has requested the Government of India to ban it. They also termed the production of the contemptible movie an attempt aimed at hurting people’s sentiments and disturbing peace.
Although there is no call for strike tomorrow, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in a statement Wednesday appealed the people to put an halt to their work and business for two minutes at 11.00 am on September 21, Friday, and during this time recite Darood-e-Sharief to express their affection and devotion towards Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
He has also appealed the people to stage protests after Friday prayers against the conspiracies of anti-Islamic forces and arrest of youth from different areas by the police following massive protests against the production and screening of blasphemous film. He alleged that the police had started carrying out nocturnal raids to arrest youth from different parts of Valley following Tuesday shutdown and protests.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST