Separatist shutdown affects life in Srinagar

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir today imposed restrictions on movement of people in parts of the summer capital in view of a strike call by separatist groups protesting against landing of army in the Valley on this day in 1947.

"Restrictions have been imposed in five police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, M R Gunj, Zadibal and Safakadal," a police spokesman said.

He said security forces have been deployed in strength in these areas and other sensitive areas of the Valley to thwart any protest demonstrations.

Separatist groups, including all factions of Hurriyat Conference, had called a general strike to protest against landing of Army in Kashmir on October 27, 1947.

It was on this day in 1947 that independent India's army undertook its first military operation in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the then Maharaja of J&K Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession with the Union of India, to repulse tribal raiders from Pakistan from the region.

The separatist outfits have been calling for a strike on this day every year since eruption of militancy in the State in 1989.

However, the strike evoked a mixed response in the areas where there were no restrictions.

Most of the shops and other business establishments like petrol pumps and private offices remained closed, officials said.

Public transport was plying in some areas, while private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying normally in all such areas where restrictions were not imposed, they said.

The attendance in government offices and schools was slightly affected, while private educational institutions were shut, the officials said.

The authorities have placed separatist leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq under house arrest.