KASHMIR IN 2012

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

According to some media sources Kashmir observed 22 days of hartal this year. The most recent shutdown was called by Hurriyat (G) followed by Hurriyat (M) on December 31 against the indiscriminate firing on Eight Civilians in Pulwama Kashmir. Rest of Hartals and Curfews following are the some main events and incident occurred in 2012. 

1. The Sufi shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), populary known as Peer Dastgeer Sahib, in Khanyar in downtown Srinagar, was gutted in a fire.

2. Following after fire incident at Shrine the Curfews and Strike calls gripped the valley for almost two weeks. Police resorted to heavy lathicharge in Maisuma to disperse the maiden “Chalo” call of the year by People’s Political Party and Grand Mufti J&K.

3. While accepting Pakistan’s invitation a delegation of Hurriyat (M) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq visited Pakistan. On the other hand Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s led Hurriyat denied to visit the Pakistan.

4. Curfew was imposed in major parts of Srinagar for six consecutive days after some skirmishes between two communities in Zadibal area was reported.

5. The valley joined the almost 54 Muslims countries to register protest against the video containing disrespect to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sponsored by some western countries.

6. The News related to Shahrukh Khan’s professional visit to Kashmir got some space in front page on various local Newspapers.

7. On his first visit to Kashmir as President, Pranab Mukherjee makes his presence at 18th convocation of University of Kashmir. Much talked Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remains out of Kashmir during the occasion.

8. In 2012, Kashmir also witnessed various encounters between Security Force and militants.

9. The ruling National Conference-Congress coalition swept the Legislative Council polls.

10. Gas crisis in Jammu and Kashmir turned into a minor law and order problems in some far villages as well as in Srinagar.

11. Yasin Malik visited Pakistan to depose before the Special Commission, constituted by the Supreme Court of the neighbouring country, probing the `Memogate`.  Meanwhile in 2012 Yasin Malik also lost his father.

12. 2012 begins with a gory incident as Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) allegedly killed 18-year-old student in a firing incident outside the NHPC-run Uri power project at Boniyar, 90 kms from Srinagar.

The writer can be reached at: bilalbashirbhat@gmail.com