Shutdown affects normal life in Kashmir
Srinagar, May 19: Normal life was affected in Kashmir today owing to the strike called by the separatists in protest against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, and restrictions imposed by the authorities in parts of the city to maintain law and order.
While the separatists under the banner of “Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL)” had asked people to observe a complete shutdown and march to city centre Lal Chowk to convey to the prime minister their demand for resolution of the Kashmir issue, authorities had imposed severe restrictions in police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal and Maharajgunj, in downtown while partial curbs were in force in Maisuma and Kralkhud areas of the uptown Srinagar.
Lal Chowk was also turned out of bounds with barricades placed on all entry routes to the area so as to thwart separatists’ march to the city centre.
Tight security measures were placed in the entire city last night in the wake of the prime minister’s arrival here this afternoon.
Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments in Srinagar remained shut, though roadside vendors went about their business as usual in most parts barring the areas in downtown Srinagar where restrictions remained in force.
While public transport was off the roads, private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in many areas of the city.
Reports of shutdown were also received from other district headquarters of the Valley too.
The authorities had also suspended work in all schools and colleges here in the wake of prime minister’s visit.
The Kashmir University has postponed all examinations scheduled for today.
As a precautionary measure, high-speed mobile Internet services were also barred across the Valley.
