Ubeer Naqushbandi
SRINAGAR
The frontier Uri Thursday observed complete shutdown against the controversial National Food Security Act (NFSA) with people demanding its rollback immediately.
The main markets of Uri, Chandwari and Boniyar remained shut, while transport remained off the roads, witnesses told Kashmir Life. The residents have also blocked the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Highway in main chowk.
“People from villages of Gawalta, Chironda, Silikote and other adjoining areas have assembled at main chowk demanding ration under the previous quota,” a local from the area said.
“Half of our land was taken away by the Army for fencing the border and in the rest, land mines have been laid. As a result our agriculture lands do not yield any crop,” the locals said.
They said that rice given under present act is not going to suffice their needs.
“We have already been facing multiple problems due to the huge presence of Army and bearing the brunt of living in extreme conditions. This move by the government is further going to aggravate the problems of the poor population.”
Meanwhile, the Beopar Mandal Uri also extended support to the shutdown with its general secretary Mushtaq Ahmed Lone also participating in it.
Witnesses from Uri said that they have already had various problems due to living in close proximity with LoC. They also said that till their demands are not met, they will continue their agitation.
A memorandum was also submitted to district administration that they be given rice under previous quota and not under NFSA.
Meanwhile, SHO Uri Tabraiz Khan told Kashmir Life that the protestors assembled in main chowk Uri demanding the revocation of NFSA. “However they later dispersed peacefully,” the officer said.
