Separatists spearhead call for Kashmir Valley shut down over separate Pandit enclave issue

Separatists on Saturday are likely to spearhead calls for a complete shut down across the Kashmir Valley to voice their protest over a reported state government move to create a separate township for Kashmiri Pandits.

As per initial reports, all shops, business establishments and schools are closed, and public transport is also off the roads in Srinagar.

The law enforcement authorities and the civil administration have ordered the deployment of both police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel at several points across the city to prevent any untoward incident.

On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had said that he will take all stake holders into confidence before accepting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's request for creating separate zones for Kashmiri Pandits in the state.

Mufti's statement came after he had on Tuesday assured Rajnath Singh that his government has accepted the demand for creating separate zones for Kashmiri Pandits in the state.