Life remains crippled in Kashmir for 3rd day

Srinagar, July 02, 2009: Life remained paralysed for the third day today in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and some other major towns due to general strike called by the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC). The HC had appealed to people to observe a complete strike for three days, to protest the killing of four youths in a security force firing on demonstrators at Baramulla,

the government's failure to arrest those involved in the Shopian incident of rape and murder of two women, continued arrest and house arrest of separatist leaders and other alleged human rights violations in the valley.


Shops and other business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads.


However, some private vehicles, relatively in large numbers as compared to previous two days, could be seen plying on the roads.


It was again a field day for three-wheeler drivers, who charged on extra from the passengers. However, Tata Sumo and other small transport vehicles were seen plying on long distance routes.


The State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) also operated vehicles on some selected safe routes in the city.
It was a tough time for people, including women, who had to walk and cover long distances to reach their destinations in the absence of transport service. Work in government and semi-government offices, banks and undertakings was also affected due to the strike. However, some banks in safe zones were functioning.


Majority of educational institutions wore a deserted look as teaching staff and students stayed away in response to the call, though a number of schools were open.


The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education announced that the ninth and eleventh class examinations would be held, despite the strike and curfew.


It announced that in case any candidate failed to appear in the examination, he or she would be allowed to appear in the missed papers later, it added.


Examinations in Baramulla and Sopore were postponed due to curfew restrictions.


Life remained paralysed in Anantnag and other major towns of south Kashmir for the third day today due to the strike. The authorities had announced imposition of restrictions under Section 144 in the town to thwart any demonstrations.


In Baramulla, where curfew was imposed for the past three days after 4 youth were killed in the security force firing, a complete shutdown had been observed in other towns of north Kashmir.
-- (UNI) --