Srinagar, Feb 28 (KMW): Normal life was today affected in Kashmir Valley due to a strike called by Hurriyat Conference (G) to protest against Lolab-Kupwara encounter in which army claimed to have killed seven foreign militants.
Shops, business establishments and petrol pumps remained shut in and around the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, while government offices and banks witnessed thin attendance. However, the schools remained closed on account of the on-going winter vacations. But there was a thin attendance of staff in higher secondary schools which re-opened on Friday.
Public transport was off the roads while private vehicles, cabs and auto rickshaws plied normally. Reports of a shutdown being observed were also received from other districts of the Valley, officials said, adding police and paramilitary CRPF were deployed at sensitive places across the Valley to prevent law and order problems.
Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani had called for a complete shutdown and peaceful demonstration after Friday prayers against the “mysterious killings of seven youth†in Kupwara by the Army. Geelani had also demanded an independent investigation into the incident.
Seven unidentified militants, all believed to be foreigners, were killed in an encounter with army and police in Dardpora forests of Lolab on Monday (February 24). Following the encounter, protests broke out in the area as locals demanded that they be shown the bodies to ascertain if there were any locals among the slain militants. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in Lolab area of Kupwara district.
