E-Paper
Shutdown in J&K paralyses normal life
The shutdown called by the pro-Independence JKLF paralyses normal life in the Valley.
A shutdown called by the pro-Independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) paralysed normal life in the Jammu and Kashmir valley on Sunday.
The general strike, which had its impact in Srinagar and other towns in the valley, coincided with the death anniversary of JKLF founder Muhammad Maqbool Bhat. Bhat was hanged on this day in Delhi's Tihar jail in 1984.
In the morning, scores of JKLF activists took out a procession in Lal Chowk, the city centre, shouting pro-freedom slogans.
"The mortal remains of Maqbool Bhat should be returned for burial in the martyr's graveyard in Srinagar. We have preserved a grave for the remains of our founder," said Muhammad Yaqoob, a JKLF activist.
Bhat's body was buried in Tihar Jail by the authorities and was not handed over to his relatives who went to Delhi to receive the body.
Both groups of Hurriyat Conference supported the shutdown strike.
Public transport was off the roads in Srinagar. However skeletal private transport was seen plying.
