A complete shutdown is being observed across Kashmir valley today following a call issued by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) – an amalgam of separatist outfits.
All shops and other business establishments are closed while traffic is off the roads. Government offices are closed due to a public holiday.
Roads wore a deserted look in Srinagar as people stayed indoors.
JRL, comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, has appealed to the people to observe January 26 as a ‘black day’.
While Geelani is under house arrest, Malik was detained yesterday and lodged in Kothibagh police station to prevent him from leading any protests.
Meanwhile, stringent measures were put in place and forces were deployed in strength in Srinagar city, where main R-Day function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium instead of traditional venue, Bakshi stadium.
Barricades have been erected by the forces with pedestrian and vehicle movement only allowed after thorough frisking and questioning.
The roads are mostly deserted in Srinagar city with occasional movement of private vehicles.