Agitation, Strike Called-Off in Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, July 1: The agitation and strike against the transfer of 40 acres of forest land to the Hindu Shrine Board were called-off on Tuesday after the pro-Indian Kashmir government revoked the land transfer order.

The Action Committee Against Transfer of Land (ACALT), that was spearheading the campaign against the land transfer, decided to call-off the agitation after the Kashmir government revoked the land transfer order.

Addressing media ACALT chairman, Mian Abdul Qayoom said that the revocation order is the victory of the people of Kashmir, who have sacrificed for just cause.

"We urge the people to celebrate the victory. The victory is of the people and not of any particular political party," he said.

He added, "Our agitation was for the revocation of the order and as the government has conceded the demand we call off the strike. We congratulate the people, who have fought the battle. We urge the people to celebrate the occasion by lighting candles at their residence and place of working".

People in Kashmir had been agitating from June 23 against the land transfer deal. They had been demanding its revocation.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.