General strike, demonstration cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 3 (UNI) A general strike and massive protest against the publication of cartoons in a Danish newspaper and picture of Islam's holiest shrine of Mecca on a playing card in a national magazine, recently paralysed life in the Kashmir valley.

Police burst teargass shells and resorted to repeated lathicharge to disperse demonstrators near historic Jamia masjid at Nowhatta in the down town city this afternoon.

Immediately after the Friday prayers were over, people took to streets, protesting against the Danish newspaper and national magazine.

Police action came after the demonstrators were proceeding towards the Khanyar chowk. Similar demonstrations were also held in other parts of the valley after the Friday prayers.

Streets wore a deserted look as shops and other business establishments were closed and traffic was off the roads. Other major towns of the valley remained closed though there was no strike call by any organisation.

Work in government offices, banks and other semi-government institutions was also affected. A report from Baramulla said complete shut down was observed in the town.

However, the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (Geelani) has appealed to the people to protest against the publication of cartoons in the newspaper and depiction of Mecca on playing cards in a national magazine after Friday prayers.

A group of women marched in a procession in the civil line areas including Budshah Chowk, Jehangir Chowk and Lal Chowk. They were demanding death sentence to the Danish cartoonist for hurting the sentiments of the people.

UNI BAS SC BS1508