Separatists force shutdown in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 12 (ANI): Hard line faction of separatist in Kashmir led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for a 50-hour shutdown to protest against polls in the valley.

The Government forces are patrolling street to prevent planned protests against elections. The shops remained closed.

Voting is scheduled in Baramulla district of the valley on Wednesday.

Movement was restricted and residents found it hard to venture out of their homes for getting daily supplies.

The loss occurred to their businesses due to these frequent shutdowns has also generated anger amongst the people as they realise the futility of these strikes.

"We face lot of problems. The police do not let us venture out of our homes.

We cannot go to work. Instead of bringing any good, this shutdown is causing loss," said Shafeeq Hussain, a resident.

The boycott call came suddenly before the polling day.

The separatists had to suffer a major setback after residents defied the boycott call given by the Hurriyat during the State Assembly polls held in November 2008 and came out in large numbers to cast their votes.

A prominent Kashmiri separatist leader Sajjad Lone, who had given a call for poll boycott during the state elections, has decided to contest during these general elections and raise the voices of Kashmiris in the Parliament.

Besides the Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) are also contesting in the elections. (ANI)