J&K separatist announce calendar of protests, extend strike till Sept 1

Srinagar: To keep the unrest in Kashmir going on, the separatists on Wednesday extended their strike call and agitation till September 1 and announced a new calendar of protests, including a march to Srinagar-based Army headquarters on the weekend.

The separatists also called for a joint march to Eidgah in downtown Srinagar on Friday, according to a statement. They also asked people to lock down all routes to their localities and villages by "every means" during night to "protect" people in general and youth in particular from the raids and arrests by security forces and police.

The separatists also asked women to occupy chowks in their vicinities and stage peaceful protests on August 30.

It also asked people to block all roads near Doordarshan, Radio Kashmir (AIR) and Information Department to ensure that "no employee is allowed to enter the premises" on September 1.

"Lock down all government offices except essential services on August 29," it said and warned of "social boycott" of Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and heads of all departments if they issue threats to the employees for reporting to duties.

The separatist camp, which is spearheading the agitation in the Valley over the civilian killings during the protests against Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing on July 8, had earlier called for strike till tomorrow.