A strict shutdown was observed across Kashmir valley against the ban on beef imposed by Jammu high court’s order. The 83 year old law, which bans beef in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, is already in place but was not being implemented since the Muslim rulers took reigns from Maharajas decades ago.
The call for strike was given by both the factions of Hurriyat.
A CRPF man stands guard in South Kashmir’s Islamabad town. Photo: Muneeb ul Islam
Under section 298A of the RPC, intentionally killing or slaughtering a cow or similar animal (including ox and buffalo) is a cognizable, non-bailable offense punishable with 10 years imprisonment and fine.
At several places people took to streets and pelted stones on the CRPF and police, who had been deployed in strength since morning. Curfew like restrictions were in place at many areas in Srinagar.
A local cleric (Name witheld) while terming the beef ban as nonsensical and interference in religion, urged people to sacrifice bovine animals on the upcoming Eid ul Azha which is just days away. He further appealed Muslims living in India to raise their voice on religious interferences like this and said if Muslims of India don’t wake up, their condition will be like that of the Muslims of Burma.
Shutdown call was strictly followed across Kashmir valley. Photo: Muneeb ul Islam
It is interesting that today’s shutdown was the most strict as compared to the last ones on several other issues. Public transport was completely off the roads this time and shops shut.
A butcher, Zubair Ahmed, while talking to Kashmir Unheard said, “I feel we are being thrown back to the ages when Maharajas ruled the state. Current state government is not doing anything for the development of the state but see they have enough time for such trivial issues.”
He further questioned that, “why such laws have not been repealed since so called Muslims were the PMs (Prime Ministers) or CMs (Chief Ministers) of the state.”
CRPF and police were deployed in strength across sensitive places in Kashmir since morning while the separatists were kept under house arrest. Photo: Muneeb ul Islam
