NORMAL LIFE AFFECTED IN KASHMIR DUE TO STRIKE

SRINAGAR: Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Kashmir on Saturday and suspended mobile internet services in view of the shutdown called by separatists demanding resolution of Kashmir issue during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state.

Streets were deserted, markets shut, schools and colleges closed as heavy security was deployed in many parts of the Valley. Police said while public transport was off the roads, private vehicles were seen plying in many areas of the city.

The separatist trio of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had called for a peaceful protest march to city centre Lal Chowk to demand resolution of the Kashmir issue. But authorities imposed restrictions in and around Lal Chowk, the commercial hub of Srinagar, and seven police station areas of the city. The roads leading to the venue of PM’s function at Sheri Kashmir International convention Centre (SKICC) were sealed. “The situation so far has been stable. There were a few minor incidents of stone pelting, which, by Kashmir standards, are normal,” said a police official in Srinagar.

The government also closed schools and colleges while Kashmir University postponed its examinations for the day.

Mirwaiz, who was under house arrest, was detained by the police outside his Nigeen residence in Srinagar. While Geelani was under house detention, Malik was in police custody. In a statement, he said the motive of protest at Lal Chowk was to convey to the PM that people of Kashmir have been “facing ultimate form of repression at the hands of lakhs of government forces.”