General strike cripples life in Kashmir for 4th day today

Srinagar, Jun 27 (UNI) Life remained crippled in the Kashmir valley for the 4th day today due to strike in protest against the transfer of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) by the government.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic remained off the road in support of the strike call given by a number of organisations, including Action Committee Against Land Transfer which is headed by advocate Mian Abdul Qayoum and Al-umar Mujahideen.

Not a single passenger vehicle, including three wheelers could be seen on the roads.

The Action Committee said the strike was not against any community or religion but against the government decision to transfer forest land to SASB.

The authorities had already announced two days holiday in all educational institutions from today in the Srinagar district.

The authorities have postponed all interviews while Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education have also postponed their examinations in view of the prevailing situation.

Work in government offices, financial institutions, including banks also remained paralysed as employees stayed away from the office in response to strike call.

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) office also remained closed as a large number of people who had come to deposit their bills were turned back by the security personnel deployed there.

Petrol pumps, ration depots and offices of other essential services also remained closed.

A report from Baramulla said total shut down was observed in the Sopore, Handwara, Kupwara and other towns in the district.

Shools, colleges and other educational institutions remained closed and government offices wore a deserted look. Traffic was also off the roads.

Similar reports were also received from Anantnag, Pulwama, Pampore, Badgam, Charar-e-Sharief, Beerwah, Ganderbal, Kangan and Shopian.

UNI BAS KK AS1310