Strike cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar: Life was today crippled due to general strike, called by moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) on the 21st death anniversary of Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq, who was killed in his Nigeen house on this day by gunmen.
Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the restriction free areas in the summer capital, Srinagar and its adjoining areas today.
Government has imposed restriction under section 144 CrPC in most parts of the down town and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) since early this morning to prevent any rally at Eidgah.
However, some private vehicles could be seen plying on some routes in the uptown and civil lines.
Educational institutions wore a deserted look while work in offices, banks and other commercial establishments were affected due to strike.
A report from Baramulla said that life was paralysed with all shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic off the roads in this and other northKashmir towns due to strike.
Government offices, educational institutions and banks were affected due to strike as employees and students stayed away.
Business and other activities were crippled in and other south Kashmir districts and tehsil headquarters, a report from Anantnag said.
Additional security forces had been deployed on both sides of the almost deserted streets in the town, where traffic remained off the roads.
Similar reports were also received from other parts of the Valley.