Shutdown affects life in Kashmir

Srinagar, January 13

Normal life in the Valley was affected today due to the shutdown called by separatists against the recent killing of a civilian in Kulgam district of south Kashmir.

On Friday, the authorities had detained moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at his Nigeen residence while hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani continued to be under house arrest. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik was taken into preventive detention early today.

The call for a complete shutdown was given by the joint resistance leadership, comprising Geelani, Mirwaiz and Malik, against the Kulgam killing.

The government had also imposed restrictions in seven police station areas of Srinagar to maintain law and order and thwart possible protests. The areas included Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, MR Gunj, Maisuma and Kralkhud.

The authorities had deployed paramilitary forces and J&K Police personnel in strength in volatile parts of the city to maintain law and order.

On the other hand, shops and other business establishments in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir remained closed today. Though the public transport was also off the roads, cabs and private cars could be seen plying on the city and inter-district roads. — TNS