One-day general strike cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 5 (UNI) Life was today crippled in the Kashmir valley due to general strike called by Hurriyat Conference (Geelani) to express solidarity with the detenues launghising in jails and other interrogation centres in and outside the state for years.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in the summer capital and the adjoining areas in response to the call, spported by a number of other organisations, including Kashmir Bar Association (KBA).

Educational institutions wore a deserted look as students and teaching staff stayed away in response to the call by the Hurriyat Conference who alleged that detenues were not being provided even the basic facilities, besides being tortured and forced to do unislamic acts in the jails.

Work in the government, semi-government and other commercial offices, including banks, was also badly affected.

Transport was off the roads. However, some three wheelers were seen plying on some city routes.

Business and other activities in Baramulla and other major towns remained paralysed due to the strike.

The streets wore a deserted look as only security force and police vehicles, besides some private cars were plying in the district.

Schools, colleges and government offices witnessed thin attendence in these towns.

Similar reports were also received from other major towns of the South and Central Kashmir.

The KBA has decided to consider to provide legal support to detenues.

A team of KBA with High Court orders was attacked by unidentified persons near Kotbalwal jail at Jammu when it went to meet the detenues there.

Recently shocking reports appeared in the media quoting detenues in Tihar and other jails in and outside the state alleging torture by different intelligence agencies.

A Kashmir university student in Tihar jail alleged that he was forced to drink his urine by the jail authorities.

Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (JKSHRC) has directed Director General of state police to file a detailed report about the condition of detenues in jails.

UNI BAS KD BST1227