General strike cripples life in Kashmir, protest continues

Srinagar, Feb 24 (UNI) Life was paralysed in the Kashmir valley on the first day of the two-day general strike called by the breakaway Hurriyat Conference and other separatist organisations in protest against the killing of four youths by the Army at Dondipora Handwara on February 22.

Police burst teargas shells and also resorted to 'lathicharge' to disperse violent demonstrators near the historic Jamia Masjid in the down town city this afternoon.

People took to streets immediately after the Friday prayers were over shouting anti security force and government slogans. As the demonstrators were marching towards the 'main chowk', police fired teargas shells and also resorted to lathicharge to disperse them.

A number of persons were injured in the clash.

Shops and business x x x picking up from para four of Dr 9 '' Agitation Kashmir strike''.

UNI BAS PA RS1529