Separatist strike disrupts normal life in Kashmir valley for 114th day

Normal life remained affected in Kashmir for the 114th consecutive day on Sunday due to the separatist-sponsored strike over the recent civilian killings and in support of their demand for right to 'self determination'.

Although there were no curbs imposed by the authorities, normal activities remained badly affected due to the strike called by the separatists.

A large number of street vendors had set up their stalls at the weekly flea market, known locally as Sunday Market here, while a fair number of private cars and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in the city.

Shops, petrol pumps and business establishments were shut, but are expected to open this evening as the separatists have announced relaxation in the strike from 5 pm onwards.

Security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable spots and along the main roads as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order as well as to instill a sense of security among the people to carry out their day to day activities without fear.

The separatists, who are spearheading the ongoing agitation in support of their demand for right to self determination, have been issuing weekly protest calendars since Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

As many as 85 people, including two cops, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley.

Around 5,000 security forces personnel have also been injured in the clashes.

Thousands of youth, including some top separatist leaders, have been arrested by police over the past three months in an attempt to break the impasse.

Over 300 people have been booked under Public Safety Act.