Strike disrupts normal life in major towns of Kashmir

The main markets in the towns wore a deserted look with shops, business establishments and private offices closed and most of the public transport off the roads. However, private and commercial vehicles were seen plying in large numbers on almost all routes.

The strike had little impact in smaller towns, including Chrar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir's Budgam district, Tangmarg, Uri, Karnah and Tanghdar in north Kashmir's Baramulla and Kupwara districts and Kokernag in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, where most of the shops opened and transport services were operating normally.

Security forces were patrolling different areas of Srinagar and other major towns to maintain law and order and scuttle protests. Hurriyat Conference, which is spearheading the ongoing agitation in the Valley, had called for a strike today and asked people to stage protest demonstrations at district headquarters.

A police spokesman said the situation across the Valley was normal and there were no reports of any untoward incident so far. Kashmir Valley has been in the grip of protests, strikes and curfew since June when a 17-year-old boy was killed by a tear smoke shell allegedly fired by police at Rajouri Kadal area of the city.