Separatists’ strike disrupts normal life in Kashmir

Representational Image (Photo: AFP)


Normal life was disrupted in Kashmir on Monday due to a strike called by separatists against the recent civilian killings in the Valley.

Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments were shut in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

They said public transport was sparse but private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were plying in many areas of the city.

Private educational institutions were shut because of the strike, the officials said. They said similar reports were received from other district headquarters of the Valley.

There were no restrictions on the movement of people anywhere in Kashmir, the officials said.

The Valley-wide protest shutdown is being led under the banner of Joint Residence Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik against continuing civilian killings in Kashmir allegedly by security forces.

One civilian, Yawar Ahmad Dar was killed on Sunday in clashes with the security forces during an anti-militancy operation in Kulgam district while Shahid Hajam, who was injured in Srigufwara area of Anantnag last week succumbed in a hospital.

Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces were deployed in old city and uptown areas of Srinagar without imposing any restrictions.

Rail services between Baramulla and Bannihal towns have been suspended as a precautionary measure.

Internet services have also been suspended in south Kashmir areas.

(With agencies inputs)