Traders protest attacks on Kashmiris

hfaq Tantry & Suhail Shah

Tribune Reporters

Srinagar, February 16

Traders in Srinagar downed their shutters and held a peaceful protest on Saturday afternoon following reports of threats and attacks on Kashmiris outside the Valley.

Reports of harassment to Kashmiris have been pouring in after the Pulwama attack that left 40 CRPF men dead and injures to many others.

The J&K Police have issued helpline numbers for Kashmiri students in different parts of the country who need any assistance or are facing problems.

A shutdown was observed in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and other adjoining markets after 3 pm. Later, representatives of different trade bodies assembled at the Press Enclave, Srinagar, and raised slogans denouncing the attacks and threats issued to Kashmiris in Jammu and other parts of the country.

Minor clashes were also reported from the Maisuma area of Srinagar, eyewitnesses said. The police also resorted to teargas shelling to disperse the protesters in some areas of Anantnag district.

To contain the situation, the authorities had to suspended mobile internet services in south Kashmir.

Mehbooba appeals for peace, unity  

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti appealed for calm. "In this time of grief and outrage, attempts will be made to divide us. Religions and identities will be pitted against each other. Hindu vs Muslim, Jammu vs Kashmir. Our pain mustn't fuel such diabolical plans. Because eventually, the axe forgets but the tree remembers," Mehbooba said in a series of tweets while appealing for unity.