Art 35-A, JeI ban, arrests: Kashmir shuts on traders’ call

Srinagar, Mar 5: Normal life was affected in Kashmir valley and Banihal on Tuesday due to a bandh call issued by various trade bodies against ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and assault on Article 35A.

All shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in the business hub of Lal Chowk in summer capital Srinagar. Reports of shutdown were also received from other district headquarters of the valley.

A complete shutdown was also observed in Banihal township and its adjoining markets on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

Apart from the shutdown, the traders on Tuesday too held a protest at Srinagar’s commercial hub, Lal Chowk against the ban on Jamaat-e- Islami and tinkering with Article 35-A.

Scores of traders assembled at Ghanta Ghar under the banner of Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) to lodge their protest.

Addressing media persons, chairman KEA, Yasin Khan said that state government and different agencies of the central government have started an arrest spree in the valley.

“We are here to protest the ban imposed on Jamaat-e-Islami, possible abrogation of Article 35-A and the arrest spree. Even children are being arrested. We would continue with our protests till we don’t realise that everything is normal,” he said.

About ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, he said that it is a religious and welfare organization, running schools to impart education to the poor students.

“We would not allow anybody to interfere in our religious matters. Besides other things, it is involved in social work. The authorities should rethink over their decision,” he said.