Karnah people’s protest against NFSA enters 5th day

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 27: Police today foiled an ‘LoC March’ of people of Karnah in Kupwara district who are up in arms against the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The shutdown in Karnah today entered fifth day against the NFSA. The commercial activities and transport remained suspended in Karnah and even army vehicles remained confined to camps.
The authorities yesterday “backed off” from their promise of providing ration as per old scale and closed down the ration stores. Two stores at Khudpora and Nawagabra opened and people were given ration as per old scale. However, after the arrival of police the sale was closed on the directions of CAPD officials.
Thousands of people from Karnah assembled on roads and started marching towards LoC against the NFSA. The protesters said that they will negotiate with the officials of Pakistan occupied Kashmir regarding ration. When they reached Chamkote, police and CRPF forces stopped them and then civil officials also rushed to the spot.
Additional DC Kupwara, was among the top officials who negotiated with the protesters and assured them that a solution with regard to enhancing ration scale would be reached out in one week. After the assurance of the ADC, people dispersed and decided to suspend the shutdown till Friday.