JK shut down to protest Indian troops landing

Srinagar, Oct 27: Kashmir shut down today on a strike call given by all separatist groups in protest against the landing of Indian troops here on this day in 1947.

Almost all the separatist groups, including both factions of the Hurriyat Conference and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, have asked the people to observe October 27 as a 'black day' against the ''forcible occupation of Kashmir by the Indian troops'' in 1947.

The Kashmir Bar Association and several other organisations had also given the strike call.

A total strike was observed in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, including the old city. Reports of pelting of stones on moving vehicles and security personnel and burning of tyres were received from many parts of the city. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the demonstrators.

Reports received here from Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Badgam, Bandipora and Sopore said a complete shutdown was observed in these areas as well.

The strike closed down schools, shops, banks, post offices and other commercial establishments in Srinagar where the attendance in state and central government offices besides private organisations remained very thin.

Very less traffic, mostly private vehicles, plied on the roads. 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.

UNI