Srinagar, Aug 16: Normal life was hit for the second consecutive day today in the Kashmir valley due to a Hurriyat Conference-sponsored strike to protest the alleged high-handedness of security forces over the issue of electoral photo identity cards.

Shops, business establishments and private offices remained closed while thin attendance was recorded in government and semi-government offices as a few public transport services were seen plying. People were uncertain as to whether there was a call for strike today as most of the business establishments and shops were closed for two days in view of the heavy security arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations. "I do not know whether there is going to be a strike today. We have already lost three days of business due to the Independence Day celebrations," said a barber, Mohammad Hanief, who hails from Uttar Pradesh.


The Hurriyat Conference alleged that security forces were refusing to "honour" the existing identity cards and forcing them to secure new photo identity cards. Bureau Report