Life cripples due to general strike in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 24: Life was paralysed in Kashmir valley today after a general strike called by breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) against visit of President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads.

Work in government offices, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limted (BSNL) and other commercial establishments, including banks, was also affected due to the strike.

The educational institutions wore a deserted look as students and teaching staff stayed away.

A report from Baramulla said complete shut down affected normal life in the town and adjoining areas. Reports of strike were also received from other major towns of the vally.

A spokesman of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) Aiyaz Akbar claimed that total strike was observed in the valley.

He said the strike by the people was enough to prove that they wanted a resolution to the Kashmir issue as per their wishes.

Chairman of the Hurriyat Syed Ali Shah Geelani said Kashmir issue need to be resovled as per the wishes of residents of the state.

He alleged that graph of Human Rights (HR) violation has increased despite tall claims by the state and central governments about normalisation of situation in the state.

Mr Geelani added that a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue was possible only when the people of the state were involved.

UNI