Strike against arrests hits normal life in Valley

Srinagar: Normal life in Kashmir valley was hit Saturday in response to the strike called by the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani to protest the ‘unabated arrest spree of youth and continued detention of political prisoners by police in Kashmir valley.’Reports quoting eyewitnesses told that almost all the commercial establishments including shops remained shut across the valley. Most educational institute including schools and most of the banks also remained closed due to the strike, they said. However, strike had partial affect on traffic both public as well as private across the Valley.The Hurriyat Conference (G) had called for a complete shutdown against the continued crackdown on civilian population by police.  The veteran leader had also alleged that the political prisoners were being kept in jails without any justification and also despite quashing of PSA by courts. He has also urged international human rights organizations including Amnesty International, Red Cross Society and others to use their influence in end the ‘oppression’ in Kashmir Valley.Reports from Baramulla said a complete shutdown was observed across the north Kashmir district with business establishments remaining closed while thin movement of traffic was visible on the road.Similar reports were received from other districts headquarters and towns including Bandipora, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Budgam and southern Kashmir’s Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama.