Strike cripples life in Kashmir since yesterday afternoon

Srinagar, Sep 20 (UNI) Life remained crippled since 1230 hrs yesterday due to general strike on a call given by the Coordination Committee (CC), spearheading the present agitation in Kashmir valley.

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

Work in government offices was affected as employees stayed away from work in response to the strike call by the CC, an alliance of both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and more than two dozen other separatists, trade, lawyers and religious organisations.

Banks and other commercial establishments, besides, other public undertakings also remained closed.

Educational institutions also wore a deserted look.

A report from north Kashmir said complete strike was observed in Baramulla, Sopore, Kupwara, Handwara, Bandipora, Pattan and other towns with all shops and business establishments closed and traffic off the roads.

Similar reports were also received from north Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and other tehsil headquarters of Tral, Pampore, Shopian and Bijbehara.

Reports of complete shut down have also been received from other parts of the valley.

The CC, among other things is demanding reopening of Jehlum valley and other roads with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for trade, release of all detenues and withdrawal of troops and special powers to security forces in the Valley.

The CC had appealed to the people to observe complete shut down from 1230 hrs every Friday till Saturday evening and resume normal work on Sundays.

UNI BAS GT DS1145