Strike called by Geelani cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 25: Life in Jammu Kashmir was today crippled due to a general strike called by the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) in protest against the government's decision to lease out land at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg.

The cabinet decision by which sanction was accorded to lease out the land was put on hold till the apprehensions regarding the order were cleared.

Shops and business establishments were closed and traffic was off the roads. Work in govenment offices, banks, courts and other public undertakings was affected due to strike.

The educational institutions wore a deserted look as students and teaching staff stayed away in response to the strike, which was supported by several militant, separatist and other organisations.

Interestingly the strike call by the separatists was also supported by the main opposition party in the state, the National Conference (NC).

However, the chairman of the breakaway HC Syed Ali Shah Geelani said if the NC leaders were really repenting their past acts they should come out openly and join the freedom struggle.

He said history shows that the NC always did opportunistic politics. When they (NC) are in power they do everything to please their masters in Delhi but out of power they try to become sympathiers of the people of Kashmir, he said.

A report from Baramulla said a total shut down was observed in the town and other areas with shops and business establishments remaining closed and traffic off the roads. Government offices, banks, ration depots and educational institutions were also closed.

Similar reports were also received from south Kashmir district of Anantnag.

UNI