Srinagar, Oct 27: Kashmir observed a complete shutdown on Tuesday against the landing of army in Jammu and Kashmir on this day in 1947.
The call for shutdown was given by Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yaisn Malik who had urged the people to observe October 27 as “black day.”
All commercial establishments, schools, colleges, and private institutions across Kashmir remained closed while attendance of employees in government offices was reported to be very thin. Traffic was largely off the roads.
Reports said that congregational Friday prayers were not allowed in the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar for the fifth consecutive Friday today.
Strict restrictions were in place in the old city area of Srinagar to thwart any protest as pro-freedom leaders had called for shutdown against the landing of Indian army in Kashmir on same day 70 years back.
Increased number of police and other forces was deployed in the areas coming under seven police stations to implement the restrictions.
Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who addresses the Friday congregation at the mosque was placed under house arrest.
Restrictions were imposed in Rainawari, Safa Kadal, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Maharaj Gunj, Rainawari and Maisuma in Srinagar to prevent protests in these areas.
It is pertinent to mention here that on this day in 1947, Delhi airlifted its forces to Srinagar after the last monarch of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh “singed the conditional Instrument of Accession” with India.
“On this day, Indian forces landed in valley against the wishes of Kashmiris,” separatists maintain. It is for this reason that separatist camp – fighting for the rights to self determination of Kashmiris – observe October 27 as “Black Day”. (CNS)
