Kashmir strikes against Mirwaiz Hurriyat visit to Pakistan

Srinagar, Jan 17 (UNI) Kashmir shut down today on a strike call given by the Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference to protest against the visit of moderate amalgam leaders to Pakistan from tomorrow.

More than a dozen people were wounded when a mob clashed with police near the grand Jamia Mosque at Nowhatta here. Police used batons and fired teargas shells to disperse a group of people which pelted stones on them.

The pitched battle between the mob and the police continued for some time as residents said they heard some gun shots also.

Shops and markets remained closed and streets were deserted in the Srinagar city, district headquarters and other towns of the Kashmir valley in response to the call for strike, seen by many as a show of strength by the Geelani-led Hurriyat faction.

A three-member moderate Hurriyat Conference delegation, led by chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, would leave New Delhi on a five-day visit to Pakistan tomorrow.

A total strike was even observed in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, including downtown areas, considered to be the stronghold of the Mirwaiz family.

Reports received here from Baramulla, Kupwara, Handwara, Pulwama, Anantnag, Badgam, Bandipora and Sopore, considered to be the bastion of Mr Geelani, said complete shutdown was observed in these areas.

Shops and business establishments in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir valley remained closed while the attendance in state and central government offices, banks and private organisations was very thin. Very less traffic, mostly private vehicles, plied on roads and streets which wore a deserted look.

A large number of people were seen travelling by foot to reach their respective destinations in view of the non-availability of public transport in response to the strike call also supported by several militant organisations, including the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Reports of few incidents of pelting of stones on moving vehicles and burning of tyres were received from some parts of the city.

However, no major violence was reported from anywhere in Kashmir.

Authorities had made elaborate security arrangements all over the Kashmir valley to maintain law and order.

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