Strike in Kashmir over controversial cartoons

Shops remained closed in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley while vehicles remained off the roads.

Life came to a standstill across Kashmir on Friday as a strike called in protest against the publication of cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in some European newspapers.

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Shops and business establishments remained closed in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley while vehicles remained off the roads, official sources said.

Work in government offices, banks, semi-government establishments and courts was also hit due to the strike.

The strike call evoked full response in Baramulla, Budgam, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara districts, the sources said.

While the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has supported the strike call, the rival faction led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani will be organising peaceful protests after Friday prayers.