Complete shut down on I-day cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 15: Life was today crippled in the Kashmir valley following a general strike called by separatists organisations on the 61st Independence day.

Shops and other business establishments remained closed in response to the strike called by the separatists, including both the factions of Hurriyat conference.

Transport was also off the roads.

The streets wore a deserted look with only security force personnel holding automatic weapons deployed on both sides of the road.

A report from Baramulla said shops and other business establishments were closed with traffic off the roads.

A loud explosion was heard in the entire town late last night.

However, the cause of the blast was not immediately known.

Similar reports of hartal were also received from other district headquarters and major towns of the valley.

UNI