Separatists call for shutdown in Kashmir to protest PM Modi's visit

Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir have called for a complete shutdown on Thursday to protest Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state on the eve of Diwali.

Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Siachen and interact with soldiers before heading to Kashmir to celebrate Diwali with flood-hit victims.

All shops, business establishments and government offices across the valley were closed on the call of Kashmir separatist leader of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

The police and security forces have been deployed at vital places to prevent any demonstration by protesters or militant attack.

In a gesture to touch the hearts of devastated Kashmiris, Prime Minister Modi is poised to be the first Indian prime minister to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with them.

Jammu and Kashmir saw extensive flooding last month with Srinagar particularly hard hit. Hundreds of people were killed and tens of thousands are homeless.

Authorities say the cost of damage in Jammu and Kashmir may run into billions of dollars.