Srinagar, February 16: Valley based traders today threatened complete “boycott of trade” with Jammu incase harassment of Kashmiri people and local Muslims of Jammu is not stopped forthwith.
Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), an amalgam of various trade unions, while calling for “Kashmir Bandh” on Sunday threatened boycott of trade with Jammu incase acts of arson including torching of vehicles and harassment of Kashmiris continues.
Shutdown was also observed on the call of Kashmir Inc in city centre Lal Chowk and its adjacent areas this afternoon as a mark of solidarity with Kashmiri people facing victimization in Jammu.
City centre Lal Chowk reverberated with slogans after traders hit streets to protest atrocities being inflicted upon Kashmiris in Jammu following highway attack which left 49 CRPF personal dead and dozens others injured in Lethpora Pulwama on Wednesday.
Protesters took out a rally from Ghanta Ghar Lal Chowk to Regal Chowk.
Minor clashes also broke out at Abiguzar and Moulana Azad Road, however prompt action of police brought the situation immediately under control.
“We would like to warn these goons who are patronized by communal forces in Jammu to refrain from inflicting atrocities on innocent Kashmir people,” KTMF senior leader and Lal Chowk Shopkeepers Association President, Din Mohammad Matoo said addressing protesters at Lal Chowk.
Matoo also called for a Kashmir Bandh on Sunday and set 24 hours deadline to end violence in Jammu failing which a complete boycott of trade will be announced.
Kashmir High Court Bar Association (KHBA) also staged protest at Jehangir Chowk against harassment of Kashmiri’s in Jammu.
KHBA President, Adv Main Abdul Qayoom asked civil society of Jammu to raise its voice against communal forces who keep on targeting Muslims in Jammu.
Earlier several trade unions including Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI&I) staged demos at Press Enclave here demanding end to atrocities being inflicted upon Kashmiri people in Jammu.
Activists of Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) led by former legislator Er Abdul Rashid sat on a peaceful dharna at Press Enclave to protest harassment of Kashmiri’s in Jammu.
“This is how Kashmiri people are treated by communal forces in Jammu. It is unfortunate that even police watched torching of vehicles belonging to Kashmiri people and their victimization as mute spectator,” said Er Rashid.
