Valley shuts on JRL’s call

Srinagar, Jan 26: A complete shutdown called by Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani the Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq the Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman and Mohammad Yasin Malik the JKLF Chairman on Friday hit normal life across Kashmir across Kashmir valley.
All shops and other business establishments are shut while traffic is off the roads. Government offices are closed due to a public holiday.Roads wore a deserted look in Srinagar as people stayed indoors.
JRL, comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, had appealed the people to observe January 26 as a ‘black day’.
While Geelani is under house arrest, Malik was detained on Friday a day before the republic day celebrations and lodged in Kothibagh police station to prevent him from leading any protests.
Meanwhile, stringent measures were put in place and forces were deployed in strength in Srinagar city, where main R-Day function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium instead of traditional venue, Bakshi stadium.
Barricades have been erected by the forces with pedestrian and vehicle movement only allowed after thorough frisking and questioning.
The roads are mostly deserted in Srinagar city with occasional movement of private vehicles. (KNS)