JK shut as Hurriyat declares strike over Dogra issue

Srinagar, Apr 11: Kashmir remained shut for the third consecutive day today following a strike call given by hard line faction of Hurriyat Conference over the Jammu and Kashmir government's order to issue Dogra certificate to residents of Jammu region.

Shops, business establishments, banks, petrol pumps and private offices remained closed due to the strike called by the Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions also remained closed on account strike while transport services were also severely affected.

However, an odd public transport vehicle and some private vehicles were seen plying the roads in the civil lines areas of the city.

Geelani has announced a day-long strike demanding the revocation of state government order to issue Dogra certificate to the members of the ethnic community living in Jammu region.

The Hurriyat hawk alleged that it was an attempt to divide the state along communal lines and the order had the potential to harm the geographical unity of the state.

The state government has, however, clarified that the certificates were only being issued to facilitate the youth from the state to avail relaxation in rules to recruitment in the paramilitary forces.

While the issue is likely to be discussed in the state cabinet, the state government is planning to write to ministry of home affairs to modify the relaxation order to include all residents of Jammu & Kashmir.

Kashmir valley has remained shut since Friday afternoon following killing of Jamiat-e-Ahli Hadees chief Moulvi Showkat Ahmad Shah in an IED blast.

PTI