Shutdown in Kashmir over hair chopping incidents

SRINAGAR: Kashmir observed a shutdown on Monday against increasing incidents of braid chopping being reported from across the Valley for the past month or so.

Hurriyat called for a strike, accusing government agencies of shielding criminals involved in these incidents and thus allowing the fear psychosis to spread across the Valley.

The government also imposed restrictions in some parts of downtown Srinagar to scuttle any protests over the issue. In Batamaloo area of Srinagar, civilians clashed with policemen during a protest demonstration over a hair-chopping incident. All schools and business establishments remained closed in the Valley and public transport was off the roads.

Government offices witnessed thin attendance. Although J&K police have announced a reward of Rs 6 lakh for anybody informing about the perpetrators of the crime, it is yet to get any breakthrough. J&K police chief SP Vaid said that the police has no “magic wand” and is yet to crack the case.

Nearly 100 incidents of braid chopping or attempts at it have been reported from across Kashmir since September 14.