General strike cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 5: Life was today paralysed due to one-day general strike called by breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani to protest against alleged atrocities of the security forces and surrendered militants and arrest of four amalgam leaders in Public Safety Act (PSA).

Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the road. However, private vehicles were plying on some routes in the civil lines.

Work in government offices, banks, public undertakings and other Commercial establishments was affected as employees stayed away in response to strike call.

The educational institutions wore a deserted look as most of the schools had declared a holiday today in view of the strike and petrol pumps were also closed.

A report from Baramulla said complete shutdown was observed in the town and other adjoining areas besides apple township of Sopore, Kupwara and Handwara. The streets wore a deserted look as all shops and other business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the road.

Similar reports were received from some other major towns in the Kashmir valley.

Mr Geelani said his Hurriyat Conference was against frequent hartal calls as these affect the normal life. However, he said the people of Kashmir have no alternative but to resort to peaceful general strike to make the world aware about the plight of the common people here.

He said the strike call was given to protest against the alleged atrocities by the security forces and surrendered militants working with them.

It was also to protest against the arrest of four senior leaders, including acting chairman Ghulam Nabi Sumbji, Masarat Alam Bhat, Firdous Ahmad Shah and Mohammad Shafi Lone under PSA.

He strongly condemned actions of protected surrendered militant Papa Kishtwari and police action against peaceful demonstrators at Pampore.

UNI

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