Kashmir shuts on 13 July 1931 martyrs day

Srinagar : The Kashmir Valley on Saturday observed complete shutdown to commemorate the anniversary of July 13 martyrs. However, the authorities on this day imposed curbs in Downtown areas to thwart the march called by Hurriyat Conference (M).
On this day in 1931, 22 Kashmiris were killed by the troops of Maharaja Hari Singh after the people rose against the autocratic rule here. To remember the 13 July 1931 martyrs, Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) had called for a complete shutdown Saturday.
All the shops, business establishments and government offices remained closed while public transport was thin on the roads. Notably, the government offices Saturday remained locked as the State observe this day as holiday in remembrance of martyrs.
Meanwhile, the authorities also imposed curbs in Srinagar areas Saturday to prevent the scheduled procession of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Saturday to martyrs graveyard from historic Jamia Masjid.
Witnesses said that police and paramilitary troopers were deployed in strength Saturday to thwart any protest who had also erected concertina wires on the roads, thus halting the vehicular as well as the pedestrians movement in restriction bound areas especially around martyrs graveyard in Khanyar.
Nonetheless, the Hurriyat (M) chief Mirwaiz continued to remain under house detention since Friday morning. He was yesterday also disallowed to lead prayers at historic Jamia Masjid, which also remained locked for the prayers.