BeyondHeadlines Special Correspondent
Sri Nagar: A strike call given by hardline Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani to protest against the custodial death of a youth in Sopore town disrupted the normal life in Kashmir Valley today.
In Srinagar, all government run and private offices, education institutes, banks and financial institutions, petrol pumps remained close in response to the strike call while the transport remained off the roads.
Public transport services were also crippled across Kashmir. However, mini-buses could be seen plying on some routes in the outskirts of the summer capital, officials said.
At many places, armored vehicles were placed to restrict the movement of villagers. Attendance in government offices also remained thin due to non-availability of transport facilities, they added.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police armed with sophisticated weapons and riot gear guarded the deserted streets, lanes and by lanes to foil any attempt of the people to stage demonstrations against the custodial ‘killing’.
Reports of complete shutdown were also received from other major towns and districts of the Valley.
In Sopore, Rashid’s native town, a complete shutdown is being observed fourth consecutive day against his killing.
Curfew like restrictions have been imposed by the authorities fearing wide spread protests and clashes. All roads leading to Sopore were sealed off by police with spools of barbed wire.
Geelani had called for a shutdown to protest against the death of Nazim Rashid alias Anjum in police custody at Sopore on July 31.
The government has suspended three policemen, attached a Deputy SP and transferred the SP Sopore as part of investigations into the death of the 28-year-old youth.
