Shopian observes shutdown KHALID GUL Shopian, Oct 4: This south Kashmir town observed a complete shutdown on Friday to demand action against the paramilitary CRPF men involved in the killing of five persons last month and removal of the Gagran CRPF camp. The call for shutdown was part of protest program announced by Coordination Committee comprising traders, transporters, fruit growers, civil society and lawyers of Shopian. Shops, petrol pumps, schools and colleges remained closed while traffic was off the roads. “ As soon as the Friday prayers concluded hundreds of people assembled outside masjids and raised pro- freedom slogans. They marched towards Gole Chowk wherein they held a two hour long sit in,” witnesses said. Protesters were carrying placards reading ‘punish the culprits’ and ‘remove Gagran camp.’ “ An FIR should be lodged against the CRPF men involved in the killings of five innocents and the culprits should be bought to book”, the protesters said. They said that the Gagran CRPF camp should be immediately removed. Senior Hurriyat (G) leader and Muslim Conference (Sumji), Chairman Ghulam Nabi Sumji addressed the protesters. Sumji hailed people of Shopian for their resilience and steadfastness. “ People of Shopian have sacrificed a lot and despite all odds have remained committed to the cause. I whole heartedly appreciate them for their steadfastness,” said Sumji adding that entire Kashmir shares their grief. He also visited the family of slain youth. Late in the evening clashes erupted between youth and government forces in various areas of the town including Tak Mohalla, DC office road and Aliyalpora village. “Police lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters who pelted stones,” witnesses said. The clashes were on when this report was filed. People in Shopian have been demanding for the removal of the camp following the September 7 shootout by the CRPF personnel of the camp, killing 4 people including 3 civilians and a suspected Lashkar operative who locals believe was a non state labourer. Another civilian was killed by the CRPF men of the same camp on September 11. The State cabinet, September 12, ordered the relocation of the CRPF camp and decided to replace the personnel at the camp with Jammu and Kashmir Police. It also ordered magisterial inquiry into the incident and directed the police to carry investigations. Chief Minister also ordered a judicial probe.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Oct 2013 02:03:35 +0000
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