The first strike call of 2018 given by the resistance leadership under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership also known as JRL evoked a mixed response.
Pertinently, the strike call was given against the civillian killings especially the recent civillian killing in Southern Kashmir's Kulgam District in security forces firing against protests that erupted post KoKernag encounter which left one dead.
Barbed wire could be seen at some places placed by security forces to thwart protests and the core areas of downtown remained completely shut, with shops in city centre completely closed.
However, some portion of Public transport and impressive private transport was visibly seen on different roads of Kashmir. Shops at few places could also be seen open.
"The strike call , first in the year 2018 evoked what can be termed as mixed response as neither we witnessed total strike nor what can termed total open. With private transport plying in good numbers and public transport also seen at some places and shops mostly shut the strike certainly generated a half hearted response, stated commoners while talking to Kashmir News Bureau.
It is worth mentioning that in almost past 30 years of pro freedom movement, Hartal or strike call has been the most popular mode used by the pro-freedom polity to protest the human rights abuses at the hands of the Government forces.
Many are still pinning hopes that 2018 could turn somewhat better than deadly years of 2016 and 2017 that dashed many a hopes.
Observing complete strike against the gruesome civilian killings and other atrocities is one way left to us to register our protest and anger over it.
Pertinently, Appealing people to observing complete strike against the gruesome civilian killings and other atrocities Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said that Hartal is only one way left to us to register our protest and anger. (KNB)