The shutdown call of hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Geelani evoked partial response in Kashmir on Monday. The octogenarian Geelani had called for a shutdown against the alleged crackdown on separatist leaders and activists days ahead of parliamentary polls in the Valley.
While shops and business establishments in and around city center Lal Chowk were shut, private vehicles were plying normally on roads. Reports said, while attendance in banks was almost normal in other government offices work partially suffered due to the strike.
Authorities had deployed police and paramilitary CRPF troopers in huge numbers in parts of the old city to foil protests. However, there was no restriction on the movement of people.
A police spokesman said the day passed off peacefully in the Valley. “However, isolated
minor stone pelting by some miscreants was reported from Gulshan Chowk Bandipora and Azad Gunj Baramulla in north Kashmir. No one was hurt, till reports last came in,” he said and added there was no impact of the strike in most parts of the Valley.