Separatists shutdown mars life in Kashmir valley

Authorities put in place strict security measures in Kashmir valley on Monday with separatists calling for shutdown on the 66th anniversary of the Indian army landing in the state. The police imposed restrictions on the movement of vehicles in the parts of the old city to keep protesters at bay.

Authorities put in place strict security measures in Kashmir valley on Monday with separatists calling for shutdown on the 66th anniversary of the Indian army landing in the state.

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The police imposed restrictions on the movement of vehicles in the parts of the old city to keep protesters at bay. Heavy deployments were made in areas known to respond to separatists protest calls.

Indian army landed in Jammu and Kashmir first time on October 27, 1947 after the then ruler signed the Instrument of Accession.

The separatists groups, including hardline and moderate Hurriyats, have called for a shutdown on the occasion.

The strike brought normal life to a grinding halt in the valley and in the Srinagar.

There was thin traffic on roads and most shops remained closed. Schools, banks and private offices were also shut.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir-based United Jehad Council supremo Syed Salahuddin, also head of the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, also supported the shutdown.

Most separatist leaders Yasin Malik, Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were reportedly placed under house arrest. Heavy deployments of the police were made at their residential places in Srinagar.