Kashmir strikes against Hurriyat visit to Pak

Srinagar, Jan 17: Kashmir shutdown today on a strike call given by breakaway Hurriyat Conference, led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in protest against the visit of moderate amalgam leaders to Pakistan.

A three-member moderate Hurriyat Conference delegation, led by chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, would go on a five-day visit to Pakistan from tomorrow.

A total strike was even observed in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, including downtown areas, considered to be the stronghold of the Mirwaiz family.

The strike was being seen by many as a show of strength of the Geelani faction.

Reports received here from Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama, Badgam, Bandipora and Sopore, considered to be the bastion of Mr Geelani, said complete shutdown was observed in these areas.

Shops and other business establishments in Srinagar remained closed while the attendance in state and central government offices, banks and private organisations was thin. Very less traffic, mostly private vehicles, plied on the roads.

A large number of people were seen travelling by foot to reach their respective destinations in view of the non-availability of public transport in response to the strike call also supported by several militant organisations, including the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Reports of pelting of stones on moving vehicles and burning of tyres were received from many parts of the city.

Allegations of distribution of pamphlets and strike supporters making announcements from loud speakers installed on vehicles, calling the people to observe complete strike on the day have surfaced from several areas of the Kashmir valley.

Meanwhile, the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat Conference has come down heavily on the hardline amalgam faction for giving a statewide strike call today.

''Employing pressure tactics and violence to enforce a strike is neither a sign of political wisdom nor a parameter for popularity...
It is not a politically prudent step as well,'' a spokesman of the moderate Hurriyat Conference said in a statement here, referring to the Geelani-led amalgam faction.

He said the day was not far off when those using these tactics would realise that negative politics would not benefit anyone.

The spokesman said the Hurriyat Conference (moderate faction) would never deviate from its stand that all issues should be resolved through dialogue.

The Geelani faction had earlier said the strike would be of utmost importance and have far-reaching consequences in entire Jammu and Kashmir.

UNI