Normal life across Kashmir was affected due to strike called by pro-freedom leadership to protest against government’s proposal of establishing townships for Kashmiri migrant Pandits in various areas of Kashmir.
The strike call was given by Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik and other groups.
The call was supported by Chairman United Jihad Council and Hizbul Mujahideen Supreme Commander Syed Salah-ud-din.
Markets and other business establishments remained closed in Srinagar while public transport was largely off the roads.
Similar reports poured in from other district headquarters of Kashmir. The attendance in government offices, schools and banks was also reported thin because of non-availability of public transport.
Apprehending protests, the authorities deployed heavy contingents of police and Central Reserve Police Force in all major towns of Kashmir.
The authorities said that no untoward incident was reported from any part of Kashmir and the day passed off peacefully.
The effect of the strike was more in the rural areas of central, south and north Kashmir and reports said traffic was not plying even on inter-district roads.
Most of the roads in Srinagar were deserted and huge contingents police and CRPF forces were witnessed patrolling the streets to thwart any protest demonstration against Government’s proposal.
