Srinagar, July 07 (KMS): In occupied Kashmir, the authorities have impounded thousands of bikes and motorbikes besides imposing strict curfew and other restrictions in all parts of the territory to prevent protest rallies a day ahead of the first death anniversary of popular youth leader, Burhan Muzaffar Wani.
Strict restrictions have been especially imposed in Pulwama, Islamabad, Kulgam, Shopian and Nowhatta, Maharaj Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal areas of Srinagar district. The authorities have deployed over 20,000 additional personnel of paramilitary forces in the Valley.
Thousands of bikes and scooters are lying at police stations in various parts of Kashmir. All of them have been confiscated in the past two days. The orders for confiscation of bikes and motorbikes were issued by Director General of Police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid. While talking to media, Vaid said that the police were seizing motorcycles and scooters as a precautionary measure to prevent youth from taking to streets or rallies on Burhan Wani’s death anniversary.
“Fearing bike rallies and massive protests, police have been seizing motorbikes and scooters across Kashmir. Those whose vehicles are so confiscated are told to enquire about them after the 13th of July,” he said.
““Dozens of bikes were seized today. The seizure continued from yesterday,” said locals of Awantipora. Telecom service providers have been asked to shut down mobile internet in Kashmir for an indefinite period.
The joint resistance leadership has announced a week-long protest programme to observe the maiden death anniversary of Burhan Wani. According to the protest programme, a complete strike will be observed tomorrow 8 and on July 13, to also pay tributes to the July 13 martyrs who were killed by the Dogra Army soldiers outside the royal jail in the year 1931.
Burhan Wani, along with two other associates, was killed by troops during a fake encounter in Kokernag area of Islamabad district on July 8, 2016. The killing of Burhan triggered a valley-wide uprising.