Life remains crippled for second day in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 25: Life remained crippled here for the second day today (Feb 25, 2006) as business establishments were closed and traffic was off the roads for the second day due to general strike in protest against the killing of four youths, allegedly by the security forces, in North Kashmir on February 22.

Work in government offices and banks also remained affected due to strike called by the Hurriyat Conference (Geelani) and supported by a number of other separatist and militant organisations to register their protest against the killings.

A report from Baramulla said total strike was observed in the the district and major towns of the frontier district of Kupwara.

Four youths in the age group of 8 years to 18 years were killed when security forces allegely opened fire during a cricket match at Dodipora, Handwara, about 80 km from here on February 22 afternoon.

However, Lt General S S Dhillon refuted the allegations and said the boys were killed in the cross-firing between militants and security forces during a search operation.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad has already ordered a thorough probe into the incident by a magistrate while police have also registered a case after massive protests rocked North Kashmir.

Lt General Dhillon has announced to pay compensation to the families of three boys. However, he said the fourth youth was an upper ground worker of a militant outfit.

The army authorities have also ordered an inquiry into the incident.

UNI

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