Complete shutdown cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 29: A complete shutdown was today observed in the Kashmir Valley, where separatists have called for a 'bandh' to protest the death of three youths in security force firing on demonstrators in Badgam.


However, police said there was no restriction or curfew in any part of the valley though security forces remained deployed in strength to prevent any law and order problem. Authorities suspended rail service while Kashmir University (KU), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Central University Kashmir (CUK) have postponed all examinations today for security reasons. Business and other activities were crippled in summer capital, Srinagar and other major towns and tehsil headquarters in the Kashmir valley.

Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), spearheading the agitation demanding ‘right to self determination’, have called for a bandh and peaceful protests after Friday prayers in protest against the death of the civilians. Shops and business establishments remained closed in main business hubs in the city, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of summer capital, Budshah chowk, Regal Chowk, Maisuma, Hari Singh High Street (HSHS), Batmaloo, Moulana Azad road, Residency road, Dalgate and Maisuma, stronghold of JKLF. Traffic was also off the roads and roadside vendors were also missing. However, some private vehicles could be seen plying on some routes.

Work in government offices, banks and other financial institutions was also affected as most employees could not make it to their offices due to non-availability of transport. The State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses also remained off the roads. Educational institutions also wore a deserted look. Additional security forces, wearing bulletproof jackets and holding weapons and 'lathis' in their hands, were seen patrolling the streets to prevent any untoward incident.

Streets also wore a deserted look in the down town and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) with all shops and business establishments remaining shut and traffic off the roads. Large number of security forces remained deployed to maintain law and order. Similar situation was also witnessed in the uptown with business and other activities remaining paralysed. However, some private vehicles were seen plying, particularly on airport road.