SRINAGAR: A general shutdown is being observed in Kashmir valley over a call by senior separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, against Village Defence Committees, accused of harassing Muslims.
Shops are closed and so are schools. Traffic has been affected.
In capital Srinagar on Saturday, police and paramilitary CRPF have been deployed in strength to prevent violence.
Formed in the nineties, the VDCs comprise ordinary civilians in remote areas, armed by the government to fight militants.
But their role has come into question following communal clashes in Kishtwar district on Friday last which left three dead and scores injured. An indefinite curfew is still in place in Kishtwar.
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Separatist leaders allege VDC members were “mainly Hindus targetting Muslim villagers”.
Geelani said the VDC members were “terrorist militia who are not accountable”. He has called for disbanding the committees.
He has warned that continuing with them will jeopardise the property of Muslims and also the honour of women.
A lawmaker from the valley, Engineer Rasheed said he will move court seeking directions to disband the VDCs.
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