ISLAMABAD: A shutdown strike was observed in Srinagar and its adjoining areas on Sunday in protest against attacks or targeting of Kashmiris outside the state, days after a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy that killed at least 40 soldiers.
Traders’ bodies called for a complete valley-wide strike for today against mob attacks on Kashmiris in Jammu and other states. Transporters have supported the call. Authorities have imposed restrictions in parts of old city and reduced high speed mobile internet services, international media reported.
A curfew in Jammu continued for a third consecutive day on Sunday with the authorities saying that it will remain in force until the law and order situation improves in the city. Authorities will take a call later whether the curfew can be relaxed or not.
A suicide bomber from terror group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday, killing 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded.
Kashmiris in various parts of the country were reported to have been harassed or intimidated in retaliation against the terror attack, prompting the Union home ministry to issue an advisory all states to ensure safety and security of the students and people from Jammu and Kashmir living in their areas.
The CRPF, which suffered its worst loss in a single day in the valley, and has sworn to avenge the death of its troopers, stayed true to its professionalism as it took to Twitter to announce the launch of a 24-hour helpline for Kashmiri students and general public who are out of the valley.