Life disrupted in JK as state bar association calls bandh

Banks, financial institutions, shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads.

Meanwhile, civil secretariat and other offices reopened in Srinagar following darbar move amidst tight security arrangements despite the bandh call.

Police and paramilitary troops sealed the old city and prohibitory orders were strictly enforced on people's movement as a precautionary measure, officials said.
The Bar association asked people to observe a complete bandh to protest "collapse of judiciary, maltreatment meted out to political prisoners, and veiled attempts to change the demographic position and identity of the state".
Both factions of Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq have extended support to the bandh call.

Locals claimed that curfew has been imposed in Nowhatta, Khanyar, Mahraj Gunj and Safakadal of old city. Police, however, denied the charge and said prohibitory orders were strictly enforced in the areas to maintain law and order.
Barring a few stray stone pelting incidents at Parimpora and P C Depot areas of the city, the situation across the Valley was under control, a police spokesman said.
"There was no report of any law and order problem in any part of the city barring stray stone pelting incidents in Parimpora and P C Depot areas of the city till 1030 hours", he added.

Civil secretariat and offices here reopened today amid tight security arrangements.
Additional paramilitary troops of CRPF and police have been deployed across the summer capital to thwart any attempt to disturb peace.
The secretariat closed in Jammu, winter capital of the state, on April 30 following "darbar move", a bi-annual tradition under which government offices function six months each in Jammu and Srinagar. PTI AMS SG 05101255