SRINAGAR: A complete shutdown was observed in the India-held Kashmir (IHK) on Friday to mourn the killing of a PhD scholar Dr Manan Wani and his associate Aashiq Hussain Zargar by the Indian troops.
The troops killed Dr Wani and Zargar during a cordon and search operation in Shotgun area of Kupwara district on Thursday.
The call for the shutdown has been given by the Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Muhammad Yasin Malik to pay homage to Dr Wani and his associate. All shops, business establishments and petrol pumps are closed while transport is off the road. Many government offices also witnessed thin attendance of employees in view of the strike.
The occupation authorities have imposed strict restrictions in Lolab and Kupwara towns to prevent people from staging demonstrations against the killing of Dr Wani who hailed from Tikipora area of Kupwara district. Indian troops and police personnel in riot-gear have been deployed in strength in Srinagar and other towns to prevent anti-India demonstrations.
The authorities have announced the closure of educational institutions in Srinagar, Kupwara, Bandipora, and other areas. Kashmir University has also announced the suspension of class work at all its campuses. The reports said people in large numbers are visiting Wani’s home to express solidarity with his family.
On the other hand, the occupation authorities continue to place almost all Hurriyat leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Ghulam Ahmad Gulzar, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Hakeem Abdur Rasheed, Bilal Siddiqi, Shabbir Ahmed Dar, Mukhtar Ahmed Waza, Hilal Ahmed War, Nisar Hussain Rathar, Muhammad Ashraf Laya and Qazi Yasir under house arrest or in detention.
