People hold Protests after Friday prayers in Jammu
By News Agency of Kashmir
Srinagar/Jammu: Normal life in Capital city of Jammu and Kashmir and its other districts remain paralysed as all the business houses were closed and transport stayed off the roads in protest against knighthood (Sir title) being conferred on controversial India born author Salman Rushdie the accused of insulting Islam.
The call for today’s shutdown was given by hardliner militant group Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen and separatist leaders, after a sensational statement from the grand Mufti of Kashmir, Mohammed Bashir-ud-din, who called for the execution of Rushdie and asked the people to boycott all his books.
Though the shutdown had partial effect but the transport remained off the roads in all district head quarters, however three wheelers were seen moving at some places.
The attendance in government offices and private institutions was thin due to the non-availability of transport.
A protest demonstration was taken from Gawkadal to Lal Chowk chanting slogans against the British government, demanding hanging of Rushdie
The booksellers in Srinagar withdrew Rushdie books from their shelves following the announcement of strike. “we have shelf down all the books of the author soon after he was given Sir title by the British government” a local book seller told News Agency of Kashmir, adding that very few people in Kashmir read these books.
Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani has termed the award to Rushdie by the British government as a highly mischievous act which hurts the sentiments of millions of Muslims across the world.
A protest demonstration was held after Friday prayers in Talab Khatika of Jammu City, Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch and other areas of Jammu division, they were chanting slogans “Rushdie KO FANSI DO” and “Britain HAI HAI” Down with Britain, and they also torched effigies of Rushdie, the accused with profanity against Islam
“Muslims of Jammu region also condemn the move of the Britain government by conferring the Knighthood”, said Ashiq Hussian Khan adding that we all are united in religious matters and every such move should be denounce.
“We condemn the move of Britain government to award ‘Sir’ title to Salman Rushdie demonstrates blatant anti-Muslim bias”, another Jammu based Muslim, Bashir Ahmad told News Agency of Kashmir. He said all the books by Salman Rushdie to be burned and said Britain had to make an apology for awarding the author.