KL Report
Srinagar
Ignoring hartal call given by Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani, all the business establishments remained open as normal in Sopore town of north Kashmir on Friday. Geelani had called for a protest strike against the arrest of Amire Hamza, district president of his party Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.
“I appeal the people of Sopore to observe complete shutdown on Friday and hold peaceful protests after prayers against the high handedness of police in the area,” Geelani had said in a statement on Thursday evening.
However, Police informed they detained Peer Hamza, District president of secessionist group. Police spokesperson says, “Peer Hamza @ Amir Hamza, son of Ghulam Mohideen Peer resident of Muqam, Bandipora was involved in various cases”.
Despite the strike call given by Geelani, all the shops remained open throughout the day and traffic played normally. Old and ailing pro-freedom leader Syed Ali Geelani has represented assembly segment of Sopore twice in the legislative assembly. Hailing from the same area, Geelani has a strong public support from the north town.
According to locals the call given by Geelani was not ignored but the fact is that it was not conveyed to them on time. “We heard about the strike call after 11 AM on Friday when we had already opened our shops and started our routine business, we took it as a rumor and so ignored it,” said a shopkeeper of the town who do not want to be named.
