Kashmir: Normal life hit due to strike

SRINAGAR: Normal life was affected today due to a strike called by a group of separatists to press for their demand for return of mortal remains of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat.

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, a large number of private cars, cabs and autorickshaws were seen plying on the roads of the Valley.

Schools and colleges also remained closed due to the strike.

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

The amalgamation is demanding return of mortal remains of Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat.

Bhat was hanged and buried inside Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984, after he was convicted for murdering a police officer.