General strike brings Kashmir to a halt

Shops and business establishments remained closed and streets wore a deserted look with security forces deployed in strength.

Life was crippled in the Kashmir valley due to general strike on the first day of the two-day call given by the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) and supported by a number of other organisations.

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Shops and business establishments remained closed and streets wore a deserted look with security forces and police personnel deployed in strength.

Work in government offices was also affected as employees stayed away in response to the strike call given by the HC and supported by the Kashmir Bar Association and a number of other separatist organisations against the roundtable conference being chaired by Prime Miniter Manmohan Singh.

Besides, management of educational institutions declared a two-day holiday because of strike.

A report from Baramulla in north Kashmir and Anantnag in south said total shutdown was observed in response to the call.

Shops and other commercial establishments were closed and traffic was also off the roads. Work in government offices and educational institutions was also affected.