Shutdown called by Geelani aides affects normal life Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 22 (PTI) Normal life in Kashmir wasaffected partially today following a strike call given byhardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference to protest againstDelhi Police''s restriction order against its Chairman Syed AliShah Geelani barring him from leaving the Union capital.

While shops and business establishments in Lal Chowk,a commercial hub, and adjoining areas remained closed, theshutdown call was partially observed in civil lines area ofthe city and other suburbs, official sources said.

Movement of traffic was also affected but commercialand private vehicles were plying on some routes in the city.

Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, founded by Geelani, had called fora shutdown today against the restrictions on the hardlineHurriyat chairman by the Delhi police disallowing him fromleaving the Union capital.

The Delhi police wants to question Geelani inconnection with a hawala case in which his close aide GhulamMohammad Bhat and two others have already been arrested.

Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar yesterday said Geelaniwas being framed in the case to defame the separatist movementin Kashmir.

The shutdown call has also been supported by theUnited Jehad Council (UJC) headed by Syed Salahuddin.