Separatists call strike to protest PM's J&K visit

SRINAGAR: Violence has erupted in Srinagar over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh���s visit to the state. Separatists have called for a strike to protest the Prime Minister two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. (Watch)

"We call upon the people to stage peaceful protests after Friday prayers and observe a complete strike on Saturday to protest the Prime Minister's visit," said a statement by a separatist coordination committee that has spearheaded some of the biggest anti-India protests in two decades.

During his visit, Singh is scheduled to inaugurate the 450 MW Baglihar Hydro Electric Power Project in Ramban district.

This is the third power project commissioned in the border state on river Chenab.

The Baglihar Project has been completed at a cost of Rs 5200 crores and will generate 2800 million units of electricity every year.

Later, he will fly to Srinagar where he will meet leaders of various political parties including National Conference, Congress, PDP, CPM and Panthers Party.

On Saturday, Manmohan Singh will flag off the first train connecting Srinagar to central Kashmir from Nowgam to Budgam.

He will board the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train from Nowgam station as a symbolic gesture.

The inauguration of this train service was a part of the plan to connect Baramulla to Qazigund. The commercial use of the train will take some time to start.