Indian-administered Kashmir protests killing of student demonstrator

Indian-administered Kashmir protests killing of student demonstrator

2012-01-07 21:26:01 GMT+7 (ICT)

SRINAGAR (BNO NEWS) -- Shops and other businesses across Indian-administered Kashmir were shut down on Friday to protest the killing of a student demonstrator by security forces, according to media reports on Saturday.

The Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), a representative body of various trade, industry and tourism groups in Kashmir, had urged people earlier this week to observe a complete shutdown across the valley to protest the power crisis and the killing of the student, the Times of India reported.

The chairman of the KEA, Muhammad Yaseen Khan, said in a press conference that the government was shifting its responsibility to people and even blaming consumers for transmission and distribution losses of 60 percent. "They should improve the corrupt system and ensure the smooth power supply to the people who pay tariff," he said.

"The January 6 shut down would be a tribute to the class 12 student, who was killed by the CISF without any reason," Khan added.

Altaf Ahmad Sood was killed when Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guards allegedly fired at people who had gathered outside of a power plant on Monday to protest against poor power supply in the area. Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested five CISF officers in connection with the death.

The mostly Muslim Kashmir region frequently witnesses anti-government demonstrations and clashes. A guerrilla war is still ongoing between militants and the Indian troops stationed in Kashmir, which is divided into parts administered by India and Pakistan.

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