Kashmiris Celebrate Revocation of Land Transfer Order

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, July 1: People in Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon celebrated the revocation of the controversial land transfer order to the Hindu shrine board.

On Tuesday, the pro-Indian Kashmir government cancelled the order of transfer of 40 acres of forest land to the Hindu religious board, looking after the affairs of the annual Hindu pilgrimage.

People in large numbers took to roads in several places in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir and celebrated the revocation order. "It is our first major victory," said the youth while setting off firecrackers.

Raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans, people, mostly youth were celebrating the 'victory'. "We are setting off firecrackers to express our joy as we made government cancel the land transfer order", said a youth, Ishfaq Ahmad.

The youth were also dancing in the streets to celebrate the land revocation order.

It is pertinent to mention here that Kashmir observed protests and strikes for nine continuous days to protest against the transfer of 40 acres of forest land to the Hindu religious board.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.