Normal life in most parts of Kashmir affected due to strike

SRINAGAR: Normal life in several parts of Kashmir Valley was affected due to a strike call given by JKLF as authorities clamped restrictions in two police station areas of the city to foil the launch of separatist outfit's 'Quit Kashmir' movement.

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed due to the strike call while attendance in many government offices was thin, officials said. While public transport was off the roads, some private vehicles could be seen plying on many routes.

Authorities imposed restrictions on the public movement in Maisuma and Kralkhud police station areas of the city to foil a march planned by JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik, police said.

Malik had called for a strike and announced that he will launching 'Quit Kashmir' movement from Lal Chowk today. Concertina wires were laid at all entry points leading to Lal Chowk to prevent the JKLF leader or his supporters from reaching the spot.

Police had also sealed the area around the office of United Nations Military Observers Group at Sonawar as a precautionary measure to prevent the JKLF activists from approaching the office.

A police spokesman said the situation in the city and elsewhere in the Valley was normal so far with no reports of any untoward incident. Meanwhile, Malik along with six other supporters tried to come out of his Maisuma residence to march towards Lal Chowk. They were, however, taken into preventive custody by a police team and lodged at Police Station Kothibagh.