Srinagar

A complete shutdown is being observed across Kashmir valley to mark the death anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) founder Maqbool Bhat.

A vehicle stopped by forces near Trehgam native village of Maqbool Bhat.
KL Image by Tahir Bhat

All shops and business establishments are closed in Srinagar city and other major towns of the valley while public transport is off the roads.

To thwart possible protests, authorities had imposed restrictions in the areas falling under five police stations of Old Srinagar city, viz: Khanyar, Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta and Khanyar while restrictions remained in vogue in Maisuma area of uptown as well. Restrictions have also imposed the movement of people in and around the native place of slain leader Trehgam.

“In Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag and Shopian towns also adequate deployment has been made to maintain law and order,” sources said.

Maqbool Bhat, a resident of frontier district Kupwara, was hanged and buried by the government of India on February 11, 1984, in Tihar jail in New Delhi. The call for the shutdown was given by all pro-freedom leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik.

Hundreds of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in riot gear and armed with assault rifles were deployed across Valley.

Train services between Baramulla and Bannihal town were also cancelled.

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