Protestors block Srinagar-Jammu national highway

Srinagar, May 18 (UNI) Angry protestors blocked the Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Pampore for several hours today, demanding strict action against renegade-turned-politician Papa Kishtwari.

Residents of saffron-rich Pampore town gathered in and outside mosques of the area immediately after the Friday prayers to stage massive protests against the activities of the 'government gunman'.

Public transport was suspended and shopkeepers had downed their shutters as mark of solidarity with the residents.

The protestors accused the state government of shielding the surrendered militant and later staged a sit-in on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

Raising anti-government and anti-Kishtwari slogans, the angry protestors also demanded an impartial inquiry into all the alleged killings executed by the renegade-turned-politician.

They alleged that Kishtwari was responsible for killing hundreds of innocent people. ''The state government is trying to shield him, but we will not allow that,'' the protesters shouted, demanding Kishtwari should not be granted bail.

Kishtwari was arrested earlier this month after his guards fired at the people protesting against the encroachment of a graveyard land by him at Frastabal in Pampore area.

UNI