Shutdown hits normal life in Kashmir

Normal life in the Kashmir Valley was severely affected due to a strike call given by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the continued arrests of youths.

Shops, schools, business establishments and petrol pumps were closed due to the strike, while public transport remained off the roads, officials said.

However, some private vehicles could be seen plying on the roads in the city, they said.

Geelani had called for a two-day strike beginning on Tuesday demanding an end to the arrests of youths and release of those already arrested. He also demanded release of all political prisoners.

The effect of the strike was felt more due to the three-day strike of government employees demanding release of arrears on account of implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission.

They are also demanding increase of retirement age from 58 years to 60 years. Two rounds of talks between the government and representatives of employees' unions over the past two days have failed to break the deadlock.