Traders in old city observe strike

Strike is against the killing of shopkeeper who died after being beaten for opening his shop during Dec 3 strike.

Traders in Nowhatta area of the old city today began a two-day shutdown against the killing of a shopkeeper who died after being beaten for opening his shop during a strike on December 3.

Tariq Ahmad Bhat was hit by a cricket bat on the head by two shopkeepers,a salesmen and a roadside vendor who were allegedly enforcing a strike against the arrest of youth by police following a demonstration.

Bhat (24) was rushed to Soura Medical Institute and succumbed to injuries yesterday. The markets in the area closed soon after the youth’s death reached the area.

The traders’ body of Nowhatta has called for a bandh today and tomorrow against the killing.

Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile,police had arrested all the four persons accused of hitting Bhat on the head on December 9.

Meanwhile,opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti demanded strong action against those responsible for the death of a shopkeeper in Nowhatta area of the old city.

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Expressing deep shock over the death of Tariq Ahmed Bhat,Mehbooba said coercion has no place in society.

“We condemn strongly the way Tariq is reported to have been injured in broad daylight which ultimately led to his unfortunate death,” she added.

The PDP president said politics cannot be enforced through use of strong arm methods and those responsible for Tariq’s tragic death must be brought to book.

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