Srinagar, Sep 7: Normal life continued to be hit partially across the Kashmir Valley on second consecutive day Wednesday due to the strike called by Hurriyat Conference (G) to press for the release of detainees.
Reports of partial response to the strike came in from districts, however no protests or incidents of stone-pelting were reported anywhere in the volatile old city where officials said prohibitory orders remained in force.
Most shops, business establishments and educational institutions including private schools remained closed in the summer capital. However, some transport was plying in the city and on routes leading to other district headquarters. Some shops remained open in the outskirts of the city.
Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was made across the valley to thwart any protest demonstrations against the arrests of youth.
There was a heavy presence of police and CRPF at Ghanta Ghar and areas of downtown including Nowhatta, Rajouri Kadal, Bohrikadal, Chattabal, Daresh Kadal, Rainawari, MR Gunj, Nawakadal, Zainakadal and Safakadal. A heavy deployment of policemen and central paramilitary men was seen patrolling the streets in these localities.
 According to police the day passed off peacefully in Srinagar and other major towns of Kashmir. “Today’s strike evoked feeble response from the public with private transport plying normally on maximum roads. Only public transport was hit in most of the areas of the city,” a police spokesman said.
 “However, shops in Maisuma and Kothi Bagh areas of Srinagar and in Tral town remained completely shut,” he added.
 Reports said that complete shutdown was observed in Baramulla, Sopore and Bandipora towns of north Kashmir.
 Shops and business establishments remained shut in south Kashmir districts of Islamabad (Anantnag), Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam while few private vehicles were plying on the roads in the region.
 Hurriyat Conference (G) had called for two-day strike as part of their state wide campaign to seek the release of youth and political prisoners.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST