Strike cripples life in Valley

Srinagar, Jan 26, 2009: Normal life came to a standstill in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley today in response to a general strike call given by several separatist and militant groups on the 60th Republic Day. All shops and business establishments in Srinagar and other major towns remained closed due to the dawn-to-dusk bandh, called by both factions of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, United Jehad Council (UJC)  an amalgam of various militant outfits and other separatist organisations. The streets in Srinagar and other major towns wore a deserted look with security personnel deployed in full strength to ensure violence-free Republic Day. ''All public and private transport also went off the roads in response to the strike call,'' official sources said. Police and paramilitary forces have been put on high alert across Kashmir Valley several days ahead of the Republic Day to scuttle any attempt by militants to disrupt the functions.