SRINAGAR - A complete shutdown was observed in the whole Occupied Kashmir Valley to mark the Indian independence day as black day. The APHC leaders and other pro-liberation organisations in Indian-held Kashmir called for a complete shutdown in the valley, Kashmir Media Service reported.
The leaders said that the observance of the day is meant to convey to the world that Kashmiris totally reject Indian illegal occupation of the territory.
Major market areas in Srinagar wore a deserted look as the Indian govt imposed curfew in the city. The shutdown and the subsequent curfew have totally paralysed the normal life.
A local resident said that they found it difficult to stay at home as Eid was round the corner and they had to make arrangements. “All factions have called for shutdown, as today is India’s independence day, so the whole of Kashmir is shut. Though the govt has imposed a curfew, however, locals are helpless as Eid is near and they have to make arrangements,” said Farooq Ahmad.
Amid high security, troopers were seen patrolling the areas in Srinagar city with an aim to avoid any untoward incident. The Indian authorities blocked the mobile network across Kashmir in view of security.
According to KMS, mobile phones from various service providers, including BSNL, Airtel, Aircel, Reliance and Tata, fell silent around 9 am across the valley as the people of Kashmir observed India’s independence day as black day.
Mobile phones across the valley went without connectivity on August 15 last year as well.