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Strike call cripples life in Kashmir valley

Life in the Kashmir Valley was crippled today due to the general strike call given by the All Party Kashmir Hurriet Conference. The strike is to demonstrate solidarity with those who are languishing in different jails and interrogation centres and also to protest against alleged security force excesses.

Shops and business establishments in Srinagar and some other major towns of the Valley remained closed and traffic was off the roads. However, private cars and three-wheelers besides security force vehicles were seen plying on some routes.

Work in government offices, banks and educational institutions was also affected.

The APKHC alleged that thousands of Kashmiris have been languishing in different jails and interrogation centres for years without any trial.

They further alleged that security forces were committing various atrocities, including custodial deaths, the torture of youths and rape in the Valley.

The APKHC headquarters at Raj Bagh was raided by police last night. About a dozen persons were detained by the police.

Senior leaders of the APKHC, including its chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who were arrested during the recently-held parliamentary elections in the Valley, were shifted to jails outside the state.

A senior National Conference leader and MLA Mohammad Shafi Bhat alleged that security forces, particularly the Special Operation Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, are committing excesses in the Valley.

He further alleged that innocent youths are being arrested and tortured and later released after paying bribes to the security forces.

Bhat said if this trend was not immediately checked, more youths may join the militants in the near future.

State Home Minister Mushtaq Ahmad Lone admitted in the state assembly that 44 persons have died in the state in the custody of different security forces and police since 1995.

He said that cases against the officials have been registered and investigation was in progress.

However, some separatist organisations said the number of custodial deaths would be much more than disclosed by the minister.

UNI

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