Many parts of JK shutdown over derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad (SAW),Curfew imposed,internet services barred

Arising State Desk

Srinagar ,June,10 : Parts of Kashmir observed a shutdown on Friday over the controversial remarks by two now-suspended BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) as per reports.

Sources said that Security forces have been deployed in strength at sensitive places in the city and elsewhere in the Valley for maintaining law and order, they said.

However, the old city , Downtown Srinagar , witnessed a complete shutdown with public transport off the roads and shops closed with the thin movement of public.

Traffic also remained affected compared to routine  in  Lal Chowk, Batamaloo and adjoining areas though  offices and schools remained open.

Peaceful Protests were observed  in Lalchowk near clock tower,Regal chowk and adjoining areas on Friday over the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) by two now-suspended BJP functionaries, while authorities in Jammu imposed a curfew in few areas and parts of Kashmir observed a shutdown.

In Srinagar, protests were held at Lal Chowk, Batamaloo, Tengpora and other places with the demonstrators holding placards.

Reports also said that many parts of Kashmir valley including Uri, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, and other parts also observed shutdown on Friday to protest against the derogatory remarks.

Meanwhile, reports said that mobile internet was also snapped in Srinagar as a preventive measure, while Friday congregation prayers were disallowed at historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

People expressed anger and resentment over the remarks made by the BJP leader, while Imams and Khateebs also condemned and denounced the blasphemous remarks during their sermons on Friday prayers across Jammu and Kashmir.

Tension mounted in Jammu’s Bhaderwah and some areas of Kishtwar prompting the administration to impose curfew while parts of Kashmir observed a shutdown.

Internet services were snapped in the Bhaderwah and Kishtwar towns and Srinagar city of Kashmir as a precautionary measure. The army has been called in to conduct a flag march in the town.

Sporadic incidents of stone-pelting were reported in Bhaderwah town. Some people, violating restrictions, came out on the streets and threw stones at security forces while raising slogans.

The BJP on Sunday suspended Sharma and Jindal for their derogatory comments on the Prophet after they stoked a furore including in the Arab world. BJP and the central government also faced a backlash from the Muslin countries and the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Iran over the derogatory remarks, prompting the BJP to suspend Nupur Sharma and expel another leader from the party.

Meanwhile, inspector general of police Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar said  that the overall situation in the Valley remained peaceful after Friday prayers as there was no untoward incident reported from anywhere.