Protest hits normal life in Kashmir

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed. The government offices recorded thin attendance of employees. Transport services were also hit.

Moulana Showkat, president of Jamiat-e-Ahlihadees (JeM), was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast near a mosque here. The incident occurred when he was entering the mosque for Friday prayers. Earlier, he had survived two bids on his life.

The call for the general strike was given by both factions of Hurriyat Conference and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). However, JKLF has asked the people to observe the strike on Sunday also.

Condolences offered

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, chairman of  hard line faction of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and chairman of moderate Hurriyat faction Mirwaiz separately visited the house of Moulana Showkat and offered condolences to the bereaved family.

“I am deeply pained over the killing of a noble person and a religious scholar,” chief minister told the affected family condemning the killing. He said the killing of Maulana Showkat is a great loss to the society and those responsible for it have displayed their dastardly attitude towards humanity.

The Hurriyat leaders have described the religious leader’s killing as a conspiracy against the ongoing movement. “This conspiracy has to be exposed,” said Mirwaiz.