Normalcy across kashmir valley and in some parts of Jammu region was severely affected, after separatists leader with regressive mindsets called for a bandh. Separatists leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, who have played no part in the development of local valley, are behind the shutdown call out. Their have been several instances where their close ties and malicious intents with rogue neighbor, Pakistan, has emerged. Protest was called to protect annullment of Article 35A, which provides special status to people residing Kashmir region.
Shops, businesses, educational institutions and public transport remained shut here on Saturday in response to the shutdown called by separatists. Other district headquarters and major towns in the valley also observed a shutdown. Biggest Irony is government has given so much liberty to separatists leader thriving on foreign inflow of cash and their connection with rogue neighbour ‘Pakistan’ has been established several times in the past.
Authorities did not impose any restriction in Srinagar city on Saturday despite the shutdown call by the joint resistance leadership (JRF) headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik.
Private transport was seen moving on city and suburban roads as some shops also remained open in city outskirts.
Movement of transport on Srinagar-Leh and Srinagar-Jammu highway also continued as usual. Train services between Baramulla town in the valley and Bannihal town in the Jammu region were suspended on Saturday.
The University of Kashmir and the board of school secondary education also postponed all exams scheduled for Saturday. According to reports, the Chenab Valley areas of Doda, Kishtwar and Bannihal also observed shutdown.
The shutdown is being observed to highlight the grave concern expressed in the valley against the abrogation of Article 35A that came into being through a presidential order in 1954 and gives powers to the state legislature to define permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and their privileges. The article has been challenged in the Supreme Court through a petition being heard by a three-judge constitutional bench.
