The Hindu : Violence rocks towns

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 22, 2003

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Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

Violence rocks towns

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR MARCH 21. A day after the U.S.-led attack on Iraq, strong protest demonstrations today followed by violent clashes rocked Srinagar and other major towns of Kashmir. Dozens of people were reported injured in pitched battles with police at a number of places.

The biggest demonstration was held in downtown Srinagar where thousands, led by Kashmir's head priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, took to the streets immediately after the Friday prayers. The protesters, including men, women and children, raised slogans against the U.S. President, George W. Bush, and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, besides burning their effigies and their countries' flags.

Outside the Mirwaiz Manzil, headquarters of the Awami Action Committee, Mirwaiz Umar had a dig at the Muslim world. "If the Muslims across the globe fail to unite this time in saving Iraq, the aggressor will attack other Muslim countries too'' he said, adding "America is the biggest enemy of Muslims.''

The Mirwaiz expressed complete solidarity with the people of Iraq on behalf of the Kashmiris. After the Mirwaiz finished his speech, the demonstration took a violent turn and led to clashes between the police and protesters who threw stones at them. Police used dozens of teargas shells to quell the mob. Ding-dong battles between the two sides were continuing till late in the evening. At least a dozen people were injured in the clashes. Reports from other major towns of Baramulla, Sopore, Pulwama and Anantnag said that peaceful demonstrations were held to protest against the attack.

Our Jammu Staff Reporter writes:

Widespread protests were witnessed in Jammu region. In Doda district, residents took out a procession and burnt the effigies of Mr. Bush. Shops and establishments remained closed in several places. Reports of protest were also pouring in from Rajouri and Poonch districts.

The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, said: "Such an action could lead to an unending trail of misery and bitterness that could destabilise the whole world.'' He said the people of the State join the rest of the country in disapproving the unilateral action against a sovereign nation and further efforts should have been put in to resolve the issue peacefully. Mr. Sayeed said the use of force for settling issues that could be resolved through negotiations was against the spirit of our times.

The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party leader, Shabir Shah, condemned the attack on Iraq and called it an "act of madness." He said: "There is no justification for these strikes. We oppose these acts as it is not in the interest of world peace."

The legislative leader of the People's Democratic Forum, M.Y. Tarigami, said: " The people of the State oppose the blatant aggression on Iraq. The message is clear from the Americans that might is right, and this threatens world peace."

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