Rally planned by separatists on Martyr’s Day foiled

The authorities on Friday foiled the separatists’ programme to organise a public rally on Martyr’s Day to commemorate the sacrifices of 22 men who were gunned down by the army of despotic rulers in 1931.

Even as the day is marked as a State holiday across the State, Governor NN Vohra did not lead the official function at the graveyard in old Srinagar.

When an elected Government is in place, Chief Minister leads the official delegation to pay homage to the martyrs and inspects guard of honour offered by a contingent of State police.

Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik, had called for Kashmir wide shutdown on the occasion and asked people to gather at the graveyard to pay tributes. This led to a massive climb down of security forces in the volatile area. Mirwaiz attempted to foil restrictions on his movement but he was disallowed to go beyond his residence. He was taken into brief custody.

The normal life came to a grinding halt across the Valley in response to the shutdown call and the public holiday. However, tourist spots recorded a massive rush of locals and tousists. Authorities imposed strict restrictions under Sec 144 in seven police station areas (Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta, Rainawari, Safa Kadal, Khanyar, Kralkhud and Maisuma) in Srinagar.

Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid in old Srinagar area were also barred by enforcing restrictions.

Heavy deployment of security forces was made in all the sensitive areas in Srinagar and elsewhere in Valley to maintain law and order.

The train services remained suspended from Banihal in Jammu region upto Baramulla in north Kashmir.

Authorities put separatists under house detention. Syed Ali Geelani continues to remain under house arrest. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was briefly detained while Yasin Malik is under detention for past couple of days.

Meanwhile, leaders of mainstream political parties alongwith their supporters visited July 13 Martyrs Graveyard early morning and paid floral tributes. They included Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Congress leader GA Mir. However, Governor NN Vohra skipped the function breaking the tradition. The Raj Bhawan did not give any reason for Governor’s absence.