A complete shutdown is being observed today in Kashmir valley against I-Day celebrations in the state.
The call for shutdown was issued by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) – an amalgam of separatist outfits – headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik.
Witnesses said all shops and other business establishments remained shut in Srinagar and other districts of the Valley while traffic was off the roads. Government offices and banks are closed in view of a public holiday.
Meanwhile, police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength in Srinagar city where the main function is being held at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Sonwar.
Nakas have been placed at all the major intersections in the city to prevent any militant attacks.
Every vehicle is stopped and frisked before crossing the nakas, witnesses said.
Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, the main venue of I-day parade, has been placed under siege with a three-tier security to thwart any possible militant attacks.
Barricades have been erected on all roads leading to the venue, witnesses said.
Mobile telephony and Internet services have been suspended since early morning. An official said the step has been taken “as a precautionary measure” to prevent spread of rumours and triggering of IEDs by the militants.