Separatist shutdown affects life in Kashmir

SRINAGAR - Normal life was hit in the Kashmir Valley Monday after separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani called for a shutdown to protest the damage done to houses allegedly by security forces in Sopore town.

Public transport remained off the roads in Srinagar city. Shops and other business establishments were closed.

Reports from other parts of the valley indicated that the shutdown had adversely affected normal activities.

Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed in the Old City areas of Srinagar, Senior Superintendent of Police Javaid Riyaz told IANS here.

Four soldiers and two separatists were killed in Chinkipora locality of Sopore town in a gun battle Feb 23.

Geelani, who is also chairman of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference, alleged that security forces damaged 35 houses in the fighting, leaving many homeless.