Kashmir shuts down on death anniversary of separatist leader

Srinagar, Aug 11 (ANI): The Kashmir Valley observed a shutdown on Tuesday to commemorate the first death anniversary of separatist leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz and other persons, who were killed during a land row agitation last year.

The shutdown call was given by the moderate fraction of the Hurriyat Conference and received support from other separatists groups.

All shops, business establishments, schools, colleges and governments offices remained closed. Vehicles stayed off from the roads.

The State Government has made all possible security arrangements to foil attempts by separatists to disturb the peace.

"This call was made by Mirwaiz Murfaaroq because last year on this day Sheikh Abdul Aziz sacrificed his life during the 'Muzaffarabad Chalo' protest rally. We are celebrating his death anniversary and so the whole city will remain closed today," said Shabir Ahmad, a resident.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz, a member of the Hurriyat Conference, led the 'Muzaffarabad Chalo' protest rally on August 11, 2008. The rally was attended by hordes of people. It was a time when fanatics in Jammu started blocking the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. When the rally reached Boniyar in the Uri subdivision, the armed forces and police opened fire on the protesters in which Sheikh Aziz died. (ANI)