Kashmir up in arms against ‘Domicile’ Certificates to West Pakistan Refugees

15 injured in clashes in several areas after Friday prayers

At least 15 youth sustained injuries in forces’ action as massive clashes broke out across Kashmir after Friday congregational prayers against issuance of “domicile” certificates to non-state subject West Pakistan Refugees, even as a complete shutdown was observed across the Valley over the contentious issue. The call for shutdown was given by Valley’s joint resistance leadership.
Shops and commercial establishments remained closed while very thin public transport was seen on roads.
In Srinagar, the situation turned ugly at Batamaloo area of uptown after youth lobbed petrol bombs at police vehicles, witnesses said. They said soon after culmination of Friday prayers at Batamaloo Masjid near Reka Chowk, scores of youth started protesting against the alleged settlement of WPRs in Jammu region. Forces had erected barriers and placed barbed wire near lanes and by-lanes.
The forces seized bikes of many youth.
“A group of youth during clashes hurled three petrol bombs at forces’ vehicles. The forces retaliated with teargas shells. The pitched battles remained on in the area till late evening,” the witnesses said. They said five youth sustained mild injuries a youth was allegedly detained by the forces during these clashes.
Reports from old Srinagar said soon after Friday prayers, hundreds of youth took to streets amid pro-freedom slogans. Earlier, a protest was led by Imam of Jamia Masjid, Imam Hai, against issuance of “domicile” certificates to WPRs. As the protest ended peacefully, reports said, youth hurled bricks and rocks at police and paramilitary forces personnel who responded with tear-gas shelling. The protests which started at Nowhatta later spread to Hawal, Gojwara, Rajouri Kadal, Saraf Kadal and other adjoining areas. A few protesters were carrying placards displaying slogans: “No domicile certificate to WPRs.”
At Abi Guzar area of uptown city, scores of JKLF activists staged protests against “plots to change demography of the State” and against “ill-treatment meted out to prisoners in various jails.”
The protest was led by JKLF leaders including Mir Sirajuddin Davood, Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Muhammad Sideeq Shah, Ashraf Bin Salam and Muhammad Amin Magloo. Chairman of Islamic Students League (F) Firdous Ahmad Shah also participated in a peaceful sit-in and addressed the participants. JKLF leader Zahoor Ahmad Butt along with district president Bandipora Syed Nisar Jeelani visited Asham Sonawari and addressed people there.
A major peaceful protest march was held at Hyderpora. It was led by senior Hurriyat (G) leader Peer Saifuallah who said: “We will not allow change in our State’s demography through settlement of WPRs.”
Saifullah also condemned continuous house detention of Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani and said the aged leader has been confined to his house “yet again and not allowed to offer Friday prayers.”
Reports of protests and clashes against issuance of domicile certificates to WPRs poured in from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district where JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin Malik led a protest march after which he was detained by police.
Reports from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district said amid complete shutdown in Baramulla district, clashes between youth and police were reported from Sopore town on Friday.
In Sopore town, soon after Friday prayers, a group of youth amid pro-freedom slogans started marching towards the Main Chowk. However, adequate number of cops deployed in the area prevented their attempt, triggering clashes. Police lobbed teargas shells to quell the protests, and clashes continued for some time.
Witnesses said scores of youth assembled outside the Jamia Masjid area and started shouting pro-freedom slogans. Similar protests were reported from Bomai. Two youth sustained mild injuries in the forces’ action. Meanwhile, other parts of the district which include Baramulla town, Pattan, Palhallan, Tangmarg and Rafiabad, witnessed a complete shutdown. All shops were closed and traffic movement on the road was minimum. A peaceful protest was reported from Trehgam area of Kupwara against “granting citizenship rights” to WPRs, reports said.
Reports from Central Kashmir’s Budgam district said that clashes broke out after Friday prayers at Aripanthan area. Forces retaliated with tear-gas shells. Locals accused forces of resorting to vandalism by damaging windowpanes.
In Ganderbal district, heavy security arrangements were made in all the major towns including Ganderbal and Kangan to thwart any protests in view of the call given by the joint resistance leadership. The traffic movement on roads in district also remained affected due to the shutdown call but there were no reports of any protests from any area.