Partial shutdown hits life in Doda, Kishtwar

Our Correspondent

Doda, August 30

A partial shutdown was observed in the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar on Thursday in protest against the attempts to scrap Article 35A.

The shutdown affected the normal life as schools, private offices and most of the business establishments remained closed and thin traffic plied on roads.

Organisations, including Anjuman Isalamia, Bhaderwah; Markazi Seerat Committee, Doda; Anjuman Islamia, Gandoh; Masjid Committee, Thathri; and Majlis-e-Shoura, Kishtwar; jointly supported the bandh call.

In Doda, the Joint Civil Society took out a protest march in the town and raised slogans in support of Article 35A. Locals took out a protest rally from Bharat Road, which passed through different streets and culminated at the old bus stand.

Imam Jamia Masjid, Doda, member and National Conference district president Khalid Najib Sourawardy said, “Markazi Seerat Committee, Doda, has supported the shutdown call of the civil society. We are with the stand of our party.”

Doda SSP Shabir Ahmed Malik said, “The security was strengthened in all sensitive places to avert any law and order situation, but no untoward incident was reported from any part of the district.”