Strike, restrictions affect normal life in Kashmir

Normal life was affected in Kashmir on Wednesday due to  a  strike called by separatists and the restrictions imposed by the government to prevent protests.

Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik had called for a shutdown to protest the killing of three civilians by the security forces during anti-militancy operations in the last few days.

All shops, commercial establishments and educational institutions remained closed while public transport was off the roads in Srinagar city, while attendance in government offices was thin.

Only a  skeletal movement of private vehicles was reported  in most areas.

Similar reports were received from other parts of the Valley.

A police spokesperson said situation in Valley remained peaceful, with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.

The police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers in full-riot gear had been deployed in sensitive areas of old city Srinagar to ensure peace.

The police and CRPF had laid razor wires and erected barricades at some road junctions.

Armoured vehicles were also seen at some road junctions in the old city.

An official spokesman said complete restrictions were imposed in the territorial jurisdiction of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M R Gunj and Safa Kadal police stations in the old city.

Intra-Kashmir train services between Baramulla town in north and Jammu's Banihal town also remained suspended.