Normal life was crippled in Kashmir valley on Monday as a complete shutdown was observed to protest the death of a trucker, who died on Sunday, nine days after he and another driver, were set afire by a mob in Udhampur.
The authorities have beefed up security across the valley. Traffic remained off the roads since morning. Examinations scheduled for Monday were cancelled by all varsities in the Valley. Shops, banks government offices and private business establishments were also closed.
Separatist groups, including the Hurriyat factions headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Geelani, had called for protests and shutdown. Parts of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district are witnessing curfew-like restrictions. Restive areas of Srinagar city were also manned with extra security forces.
Khanabal, the home town of the victim, Zahid Ahmad Bhat, also saw severe security restrictions. Violent protests broke out in the area after the news of Bhat's death.
Though the victim families had returned the government money for treatment in the past, Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed has decided to grant ex-gratia to kin of the deceased.
Nine arrested in the attack
Meanwhile, the authorities arrested two more persons in the case. A total of nine people have been rounded up after the attack on a Kashmir-bound truck on September 9. “Five people involved in the attack have been booked under the Public Safety Act,” District Magistrate, Udhampur, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary.
According to the police, five persons involved in the attack have a criminal history and face several FIRs. “These persons have been booked for planning and executing a criminal conspiracy aiming at disturbing peace and public order in the state under a pre-designed and motivated plan,” said Mr. Chaudhary.
After the death, the case against the accused is being investigated and tried under Section 302 (murder).
Those booked under PSA were identified as Sandoor Singh, Danish alias Pamma, Harish Singh Katoch, Balbahadur Singh alias Abbu, and Varinder Singh alias Kaka.
Four other accused, part of the mob, were identified as Jasbir Singh, Rahul Sharma, Suneet Singh, and Rameshwar Singh.
Farooq expresses shock
Opposition National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has described the attack on the truck “as a shocking reminder of intolerance and frenzy perpetrated by elements inimical to peace and tranquility.”
“The culprits should be identified, arrested and given heinous punishment as per law so that it serves deterrent for law breakers,” said Mr. Farooq.
He accused the BJP of “encouraging jingoism” and castigated the coalition government in the State for “failing to deal with the situation.” “Divide and division in the society is neither in the interest of the country nor the state, as these weaken the social fabric,” he added.
