Strike cripples life in Kashmir Valley

The streets in the city and other major towns of the Valley wore a deserted look as shops and business establishments, banks, courts, educational institutions and semi government institutions remained closed and transport off the roads in response to the 50-hour general strike called by hardline Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against holding of elections in the state.

Work in government offices was also disrupted as most of the employees could not reach their offices in the absence of transport.

The streets in the Valley wore a deserted look as security forces and police imposed restrictions on the movement of the people.

In Srinagar, especially in downtown areas falling under five police stations of Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Safakadal, Khanyar and Rainawari, thousands of police and security force personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, officials said.

The city and Baramulla district town, 55 kms from here, witnessed massive protest against holding of elections yesterday which left at least 30 persons, mostly activists of opposition PDP, injured.

To ensure peaceful polling in Baramulla lok sabha constituency which goes to polls tomorrow, the state authorities have placed the some separatist leaders under house arrest, while over two dozen leaders were put behind the bars over the past one month.

Those placed under house arrest included chairman of hardline faction of hurriyat Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of moderate hurriyat Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Chairman of JKLF Mohammad Yaseen Malik.

Prominent among those who were arrested by police include spokesman of hardline hurriyat Ayaz Akbar.