Life remains paralysed in Kashmir on 8th day

Srinagar, Aug 11: Life remain paralysed in the summer capital of Kashmir with only security forces visible on the streets following Muzaffarabad march call given by both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) to protest against alleged 'economic blockade' and attack on Muslims and Kashmiri drivers in Jammu.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in the summer capital and its adjoining areas. Transport was also off the roads and all educational institutions wore a deserted look. Work in the government offices was also affected due to strike.

Even vehicles carrying marriage parties were also being searched and frisked before being allowed to move. Similar checks were being conducted at other places by the security forces. A joint search of vehicles and frisking of passengers was also being conducted at Jahangir chowk by CRPF and State Police.

The Fruit Growers Association (FGA) had threatened to take their fruit laden trucks through Jhelum valley to Muzaffarabad and other mandis of Pakistan following attack on Kashmiri drivers in Jammu. Police fired in the air to thwart a bid by fruit growers to protest against the "economic blockade" of the Valley caused by the stir in Jammu over the Amarnath land row.

As the fruit growers refused to give in, police and paramilitary forces fired in the air to bring the situation under control, they said. More than 100 fruit growers were detained.

Top separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and PDP leaders Abdul Aziz Zargar, Dilawar Mir and Nizamuddin Bhat were placed under house arrest last night to ensure that the proposed march does not materialise, the sources said.

Separatist leaders Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Mushtaqul Islam and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi were picked up by the police from different places in the Valley, they said.

Police and CRPF personnel were deployed in large numbers all along the roads leading towards Baramulla and Uri townships.

OneIndia News