Strike cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 6 (UNI) Life was today crippled in the summer capital, Srinagar, and all other major towns and tehsils in the Kashmir valley on a general strike called by Coordination Committee (CC) spearheading the present agitation.

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

The educational institutions also wore a deserted look.

Work in government offices was also affected as employees stayed away from work in response to strike call.

Banks and other financial institutions, besides petrol pumps, government ration depots also remained closed.

Reports of complete shut down were also received from north Kashmir where streets wore a deserted look and only security forces and police personnel could be seen guarding the streets.

Shops and other business establishments, schools, government offices and banks remained closed and traffic was off the roads.

Similar reports were also received from south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama and Kulgam and central Kashmir Badgam and Ganderbal.

The CC, an alliance of both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC), other separatist organisations, traders, Kashmir Bar Association, religious organistions and fruit growers, has called for a general strike today in protest against the recent agreement on Amarnth shrine land issue.

The CC also demands opening of all routes with Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) for trade and free movement, release of all detenues and withdrawal of troops and special powers to security forces in the state.

UNI BAS SB DS1130