Strike in Kashmir Valley, normal life disrupted

Normal life was disrupted in Kashmir Valley on Saturday due to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani to protest the detention of separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat.

Normal life was disrupted in Kashmir Valley on Saturday due to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani to protest the detention of separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat.

Shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions remained shut here, while government offices and banks witnessed thin attendance, officials said.

They said public transport was off the roads, while cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws plied at some places. Similar reports were received from other districts of the Valley, the officials said.

Bhat was arrested on April 16 after being booked for allegedly waging war against the country and seditious activities.

He was slapped with PSA and moved to Kotbhalwal Jail in Jammu region of the state on Thursday.

Geelani had called for protests after Friday prayers on Friday and a strike against the government decision, saying there was no moral or legal justification in slapping the PSA on the separatist leader.