Separatist shutdown affects life in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, October 27

A protest shutdown called by separatists affected life across the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday.

Senior separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Asiya Andrabi and others called for a shutdown on Tuesday against landing of the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir on October 27, 1947 following the accession of the state with India by the then Dogra maharaja, Hari Singh.

The separatists, who are fighting for secession of the state, have asked the people to observe October 27 as a "black day".

Shops, public transport, businesses and educational institutions remained closed in Srinagar and all other district headquarters in the Valley.

Attendance in government offices, banks and post offices was thin due to non-availability of public transport.

Private vehicles and auto-rickshaws, however, plied on roads in some areas of Srinagar city.

Authorities have placed separatist leaders including Geelani and Mirwaiz under house arrest in the city, but no restrictions have been imposed anywhere on public movement today (Tuesday).

Contingents of police and paramilitary central reserve police force (CRPF) have been deployed in full riot gear in the areas of the valley.

—IANS