Afzal Guru hanging: Strike hits normal life in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: Normal life in Kashmir was affected today due to a strike called by a group of separatists in the Valley, demanding return of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru's body to his family.

Shops, banks, petrol pumps and other business establishments remained closed due to the strike called by Majlis Mashawarat ( Consultation Committee), of the separatist group.

While most public transport remained off roads, cabs and autorickshaws were plying on the roads as usual.

Although schools and colleges in Kashmir open on March 1 every year after three months of winter vacations, the authorities have already extended the vacations till March 11.

The Majlis, which has both factions of Hurriyat Conference, JKLF, Bar Association and Dukhtaran-e-Millat as constituents, came into being following execution of Guru in Tihar Jail last month.

It started an agitation demanding Guru's body be returned to his family. The amalgamation had issued a protest calender last Monday asking people to adopt various forms of protest to press for the demand.

People have been asked to hoist red ribbons on shops, houses and vehicles tomorrow as part of the protest schedule. The fresh agitation calender is expected to be issued on Sunday.