Hurriyat (G) strike affects life in Valley

Srinagar: Life across this summer capital on Wednesday was affected in view of the strike, called by pro-freedom Hurriyat Conference (G).

Eyewitnesses said most of the shops, offices, petrol pumps and other business establishments remained closed in response to the strike call given by Geelani led Hurriyat Conference.

Most of the public transport was also off the roads, while private vehicles were seen plying on all the major roads and highways across the Valley.

There was deployment of paramilitary CRPF and police in volatile areas of Reshi Bazar, Lal Chowk, Lazibal, Malaknag, Janglat Mandi in the South Kashmir’s Islamabad district where violent clashes broke out between protesters and the forces following the arrest of youth in nocturnal raids.

However, despite stringent security measures, groups of youth took to streets and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. Chanting pro-Independence and anti-India slogans, the protesters pelted rocks and stones on the forces. The forces returned the stones triggering ding-dong clashes. However, no reports of any injury to any person were received.

Reports of protests and clashes were also received from Seelu area of Sopore town.

“Situation remained peaceful across the valley,” a police spokesman said here.