- R-Day passes off peacefully amid tight security measures
- Mobile internet service suspended for 3 hours
Complete shutdown was observed in Kashmir on Tuesday in response to the strike called by separatist groups while tight security measures were put in place across the valley and authorities snapped mobile internet services for at least three hours.
All shops and business establishments in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley remained closed while public transport was off the roads. Petrol pumps also remained closed and people also preferred to stay indoors.
A heavy multi-tier security apparatus was put in place across the Valley and police and para-military force personnel were deployed in large numbers in sensitive and vulnerable areas.
The cops had placed barricades and concertina wires on the roads leading to Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar to prevent movement of people.
Sharp shooters were deployed on high rise buildings around Bakshi stadium, where Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Asgar Samoon unfurled the Indian flag and took salute at the march past.
Authorities also suspended mobile internet services n the Valley for at least three hours. The services resumed in the afternoon. However, the mobile phone services were not suspended as used to be the case during last few years.
All the roads in the Valley were presenting a deserted look with only police and security vehicles plying on the otherwise busy roads.
Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other separatist leaders had asked people to observe complete shutdown in the Valley on January 26. They had also asked people to observe the day as a ‘black day.’
Talking to us DIG central Kashmir G H Bhat said few incidents of stone pelting were witnessed in downtown while rest of the Valley remained peaceful.
“The day passed off peacefully,” he said.
Bhat said no special security arrangements were put in place around Bakshi stadium. “Only routine security arrangements were put in place around the venue.”
The police, paramilitary and army had beefed up security arrangements and intensified checking during last week to ensure smooth conduct of January 26 functions and prevent militant attacks.
However, despite heavy deployment of forces, black flags were hoisted at some places in Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag.
