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Kashmir shuts on Maqbool Butt’s 33rd death anniversary

SYED YASIR. Dated: 2/11/2017 11:28:58 PM

Several processions taken out amid restrictions in Valley

SRINAGAR, Feb 11: Kashmir observed complete shutdown today in response to the strike called by the joint resistance leadership on the 33rd death anniversary of Mohammad Maqbool Butt who was hanged on this day in 1984 in Delhi’s Tihar Jail.
Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar and North Kashmir including Trehgam, Butt’s hometown, to prevent people from taking to roads and staging anti-government demonstrations.
Despite restrictions, hundreds of people took to streets in Trehgam village of Kupwara demanding mortal remains of Maqbool Butt.
All shops and business establishments in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley were closed while public transport was off the roads. The attendance in government offices and banks was thin as employees preferred to stay in their homes.
Authorities had imposed restrictions in the areas falling under five police stations of Old Srinagar city, viz: Khanyar, Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta and Khanyar while restrictions remained in vogue in Maisuma area of the city as well.
Police resorted to smoke shelling to disperse the protesters in Palhallan, Pattan who were trying to march towards the highway.
Clashes started in volatile Palhallan area soon after Zuhar prayers. Protesting youth were trying to march towards the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway, but were stopped by the forces near the local government higher secondary School at Naik Mohalla.
Youth pelted stones on the forces resulting in heavy clashes.
Heavy security deployment was made in district headquarters and towns also to prevent protests called by the pro-freedom leaders on the death anniversary of Butt.
Butt was hanged in Delhi`s Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984. The families of Butt and pro-freedom leaders have been demanding the return of his mortal remains from the authorities since.
JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin Malik was arrested on Friday here when he tried to lead a protest march. Malik was later shifted to Srinagar Central Jail.
Other senior leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Shah, Ashraf Sehrai and Nayeem Khan were also placed under house arrest.
Authorities also deployed police and paramilitary personnel in strength in and around Maisuma to foil people from staging demonstrations and marching towards city centre.
The authorities also imposed restrictions in old city areas including Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Safa Kadal, Khanyar, Rainawari to maintain law and order and foil protests.
The restrictions were also imposed in parts of North Kashmir comprising three districts Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora and some parts of North Kashmir.
The cops had placed concertina wires on the roads to prevent movement of the people. Besides, police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in strength in sensitive areas of the valley.
Tight security measures were also put in place in Trehgam, the hometown of slain Maqbool Butt.
Tight security arrangements were put in place in Kupwara. Large number of people took out a peaceful demonstration.