Normal life hit in Kashmir due to separatist-sponsored strike

Srinagar: Normal life was disrupted in Kashmir Valley for the second day on Thursday due to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference in support of their demand for handing over the body of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru, who was hanged in Tihar Jail.

Most of the shops, business establishments and petrol pumps remained closed due to the strike, while public transport remained off the roads. However, private vehicles could be seen plying on the roads in Srinagar and some other parts of the Valley. Attendance in government offices was thin and most of the banks were closed due to the nationwide strike sponsored by trade unions. Schools remained shut on account of winter vacation. Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who is under house arrest in Delhi, had issued a protest calendar on Monday, saying complete "civil curfew" will be observed on Wednesday and Thursday, while a shutdown will be observed after Friday prayers followed by peaceful protests. Hundreds of policemen donning riot gear were deployed in sensitive areas in Srinagar and other towns to thwart any possible protest. Authorities on Tuesday imposed restrictions under Section 144 CrPC in Srinagar, apprehending law and order problems in view of the three-day strike called by the separatist group. The authorities said the restrictions were imposed to avoid breach of peace. PTI