Srinagar: Separatists call off strike on Friday due to Shivaratri

The Hurriyat, however, has said that there would be peaceful protest after the Friday prayers.

Separatist leaders in Kashmir have called off their strike this Friday as Shivaratri falls on that day.

Separatist leader Yasin Malik. (File Photo)

Speaking to HT, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat faction, Shahidul Islam confirmed the decision.

Earlier, in their fortnightly calendar, the joint separatist leadership-including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik-had called for a strike on Friday, February 24.

It also called for peaceful protests on the day.

“After Friday prayers, peaceful protests will be held throughout valley. There will be no relaxation,” the statement said.

Shivatri is celebrated by the Valley’s Hindu population and is locally called Herath and is also a government holiday in the state.