Geelani calls for shutdown in Kashmir

SRINAGAR - Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani called for a shutdown in Kashmir on Saturday ahead of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s visit to the state.

Gandhi is due to visit Jammu today. She will meet Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Congress party leaders.

“Syed Geelani has called for a shutdown because Sonia Gandhi is visiting Jammu. That is why the whole of the Kashmir Valley is closed,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a local.

All market places, business establishments, educational institutions and government offices are closed. Public transport is also off the roads in Kashmir Valley.

Sonia Gandhi was also expected to visit Kashmir valley, but cancelled it at the last moment.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is due to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 7.

Dr. Singh visit to Kashmir would be the second time in eight months.

This visit is seen as a political tactic to convey the desire of the UPA to resolve violence in the conflict-ridden state and bring about development and change. (ANI)