Normal life in the Kashmir valley was disrupted on Thursday, following a general strike to protest against the publication of a caricature of Prophet Mohammad in a Danish newspaper.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in response to the strike call given by Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association and supported by various separatist organisations, including the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference, headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Work in courts and some educational institutions across the valley came to a standstill. However, government offices functioned normally.

The Bar called the publication 'blasphemous' and part of a campaign unleashed by enemies of Islam. 'The cartoonist has hurt the sentiments of the Muslims, who cannot tolerate anything like this against the revered Prophet', it said.

The JKHCBA has decided to write a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations, demanding expulsion of Denmark from its membership.