General strike cripples life again in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 22 (UNI) A general strike paralysed life in the Kashmir valley yet again after three days of normal activities.

The strike call was given by the Coordination Committee (CC), an alliance of both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC), all other separatist organisations, traders, Kashmir Bar Association among others, spearheading the present agitation, demanding opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for trade, withdrawal of special powers to security forces, reduction of troops and release of all detenues languishing in jails for years.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads.

However, trucks, tractors, buses and other vehicles were seen carrying people, who were holding black and green flags, to Eidgah for offering Friday prayers, as directed by the CC.

Youths on motorcycles and scooters were also seen making rounds of the city raising pro-freedom slogans.

Work in government offices, banks and other financial institutions was also affected, as the employees stayed away in response to the strike call.

The educational institutions again wore a deserted look, after remaining open for three days from August 19.

A report from Baramulla said a complete shutdown was observed in this and other districts of north Kashmir. However, people were preparing for Eidgah. Passenger transport was off the roads and government offices and educational institutions remained closed.

Similar reports were also received from Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Badgam, Ganderbal and other district and tehsil headquarters.

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