Ban on Jamaat, amendment of Art 35A: Valley traders call for Kashmir Bandh today

Srinagar: Kashmir traders and transporters Monday called for a complete shutdown on Tuesday to protest against the government’s decision to impose ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and assault on Article 35A.
The shutdown call comes days after the Government of India banned Jamaat-e-Islami and approved the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, bringing persons residing in the areas adjoining International Border within the ambit of reservation at par with persons living in areas adjoining the Line of Control (LoC).
In a joint news conference, KTMF, FCIK, KEA and Transporters here called for a Kashmir Bandh tomorrow, saying that shutdown is aimed to protest against the recent moves by the government.
They said arrests of religious leaders must be stopped forthwith while as the ban imposed on religious and social organization must be revoked. KTMF chief, Muhammad Yasin Khan told reporters that the people affiliated with trade have suffered a huge loss due to prevailing situation and are on verge to close their businesses.
He added the situation has reached at dangerous level. “Jamaat-e-Islami is a religious organization and the Falah-e-Aam trusts are providing benefits to the downtrodden community here,” he said. Khan said the organization played a pivotal during 2005 earthquake and 2014 floods here, adding that people affiliated with the organization helped people in every aspect.
“Our wards are aspiring to get Islamic knowledge and closing the schools run by Falaah-e-Aam institutions would deprive them from getting the religious education,” he said.
The Valley traders also lashed out at national media for waging war against Kashmiris, saying the attacks that were carried out on Kashmiris post Lethpora attack was due to these tv channels who created such situation on ground.