Strike affects normal life in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Normal life in Kashmir was affected today due to the strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in support of their demand for resolution of Kashmir issue.

Shops and business establishments remained closed while traffic remained off the roads in most parts of the valley due to the strike call given by Geelani and other separatist outfits, official sources said.

However, shops in some pockets of the civil lines areas of the city and in rural areas of the valley remained open in defiance of the shutdown call.

The effect of the strike was accentuated due to the strict security arrangements made for Independence Day celebrations, the sources said.

Heavy downpour half an hour before the scheduled start of celebrations also kept people confined indoors.