Life halts due to general strike; Geelani released

Srinagar, May 25: Life remained crippled in the Kashmir valley for the second day today due to a general strike called by the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) and supported by a number of other organisations against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Round-Table conference.

Meanwhile, chairman of the breakaway HC Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was put under house arrest yesterday morning, was released last night.

A spokesman of the HC said police personnel deployed near Mr Geelani's house were withdrawn last night.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and streets wore a deserted look with security forces and police personnel deployed in strength.

Work in government offices remained affected as employees stayed away in response to the strike call given by the HC and supported by the Kashmir Bar Association and a number of separatist organisations against the Round-Table conference being chaired by the Prime Minister here today.

The management of educational institutions declared a two- day holiday because of the strike.

Complete shutdown continued in other major towns of the valley with all shops and commercial establishments closed and traffic off the roads. Work in government offices and educational institutions was also affected.

UNI

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