Strike affects normal life in Kashmir

Educational institutions, shops and business establishments remained closed in most parts of the Valley but transport facilities were not affected, official sources said.

While markets in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas remained closed, many shops in the outskirts were open, they said.

Geelani had called for a strike to protest the killing of Hilal Ahmad Dar in Army firing at Ashtengoo Naar in Bandipora district on Tuesday night.

While the Army is maintaining that Dar was killed following an exchange of firing with militants, the family of the deceased claim that he was taken into custody and later shot dead.

Defence Minister A K Antony has ordered a probe into the incident, while the state government has ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the circumstances in which Dar was killed.