Normal life affected in Kashmir due to strike call by separatists

Normal life was affected in Kashmir today due to strike called by separatists demanding resolution of the Kashmir issue during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state, even as authorities imposed restrictions in parts of the city to maintain law and order.

Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments in Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir - remained shut, a police official said.

He said while public transport was off the roads, private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in many areas of the city.

The official said reports of shutdown were received from other district headquarters of the Valley too.

Separatists under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) asked people to observe a complete shutdown and march to Lal Chowk city centre to convey to the prime minister their demand for resolution of the Kashmir issue.

To foil the march to Lal Chowk, authorities imposed restrictions under Section 144 CrPC in seven police station areas of the city, the official said.

He said strict restrictions have been imposed in police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal and Maharajgunj, while partial curbs were in force in Maisuma and Kralkhud areas of the city here.

The curbs have been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, the official said.

Meanwhile, authorities have suspended work in all schools and colleges here in the wake of prime minister's visit.

The Kashmir University has postponed all examinations scheduled for today.

As a precautionary measure, high-speed mobile internet services have been barred across the Valley.

The prime minister is visiting Jammu and Kashmir for today and kick-started work on Zojila Tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway at an event in Jive-tsal in Leh, in Ladakh region.

Modi will also lay foundation stone for Srinagar Ring Road and Jammu Ring Road at separate events at Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) Srinagar and at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu.