SRINAGAR: Life returned to normal with resumption of business and other activities in Kulgam and Shopian in south Kashmir after two-day strike.
Strike was observed yesterday in Kulgam against braid chopping incidents while in Shopian, people were demanding action against the driver of “Rakshak” vehicle of police who allegedly hit and killed a motorcyclist and injured pillion rider on September 24 evening.
There was strike in the valley, including Kulgam and Shopian, on September 25 on a call by Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) against summoning of its president Mohammad Yaseen Khan by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with terror funding case.
The strike was also supported by transporters and separatists, who also protested against summoning of Kashmir University (KU) scholar by the NIA.
Both were questioned by the investigating agency during the past two days. Shops and business establishments reopened this morning and traffic also resumed on all routes in Kulgam, where people are up in arms against braid chopping incidents.
Work in Government offices, bank and educational institutions was also normal today. The strike was called off after Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, Talat Parvez assured the agitators that an FIR has been registered and investigating take up by the police.
On the allegation that Army was supporting some persons involved in the braid chopping incidents, Mr Parvez said everything will be investigated. “I have taken up the matter with the Army officials who totally denied any involvement in the braid chopping incidents”, he said, adding that the Army has been conducting night patrolling to foil any militant attack.
However, people of the area alleged that they chased a suspect who later was protected by Army patrol party. They further alleged that they seized helmets of Army personnel when they were chasing the suspect on the night of September 26.
Meanwhile, police questioned three non Kashmiri suspected persons in this connection. A victim alleged that a non-Kashmiri woman put something in her eyes and she fell unconscious in the compound of her house.
However, after gaining conscious, she found her braid chopped, she alleged. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has directed police to constitute a special team to probe the mysterious hair chopping incidents in Kulgam and other places of the state.
She directed Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid to constitute a special team to identify and bring to justice the persons behind the mysterious hair chopping incidents which came to fore in Kulgam district and other places of the state.
Ms Mehbooba also asked the DGP to speed up the probe in such cases which have caused panic among young girls and their parents. Former minister and senior leader of main opposition National Conference (NC) Sakina Itoo alleged that Government has failed to restore the confidence of the people, particularly women who are feeling insecure after these incidents.
She said even men and youth are terrified and feeling insecure when they go their fields and orchards. Communist Party of India (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Targami, who represents Kulgam in Legislative Assembly, expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of mysterious braid chopping.
He urged administration to gear up for the challenge as mere assurances won’t help.
Life also returned to normal with all shops and business establishments functioning today in Shopian, where people observed strike demanding action against the police driver.
Traffic was also plying on all routes normally. Work in government offices and banks also resumed while educational institutions were also functioning normally. (AGENCIES)
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