Early Times Report
Srinagar, Aug 5: On the third anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar old city observed a shutdown.
Witnesses said the shops and business establishments in the old city were shut and no Friday congregational prayer was allowed at the historical Jamia mosque in Srinagar.
Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar, the managing body of the mosque said authorities did not allow the outside doors of the Jamia Masjid to be opened.
Due to this the Muslims of Kashmir were once again forcibly deprived of performing the congregational prayers in this historic central place of worship, which is highly condemnable,? a statement issued by the Aunjuman said. Witnesses said the traffic in the old city plied normally.
Except old city, the life was normal all across the valley.
Srinagar police posted a 14 second video of open shops in Srinagar’s city centre Lal Chowk.
Paying no heed to Bandh Call, all shops are open and it is absolutely normal in Srinagar District. These visuals are from Lal Chowk area,? a police tweet said.
There was no official word as to who had called for the shutdown today.
The special status of J&K was abrogated on August 5, 2019, by the Centre and the erstwhile state, was degraded into two Union Territories.
The situation remained peaceful across the valley. A lone protester against the abrogation of special status of J&K was bundled into a police vehicle in the Press Enclave in the city centre.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Vijay Kumar said it was an achievement for the public as the markets were open on the third anniversary of abrogation of Article 370. |
