Shutdown paralyses Kashmir Valley, restrictions in Srinagar

SRINAGAR - The Kashmir Valley shut down Wednesday in response to a call by separatists while life in the summer capital ground to a halt with authorities imposing curfew-like restrictions in several areas.

Restrictions in Srinagar’s old city as well as Maisuma and Batmallo localities were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, police said.

Security forces were patrolling the areas, disallowing any pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Shops were shut and public transport remained off the road. But some private vehicles were seen plying on the streets.

The situation was similar in the valley with the hardline faction of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, led by Syed Ali Geelani, calling for a two-day shutdown and asking people to hold street protests against alleged human rights violations.

At least 15 people have been killed, including a 25-year-old women, in the clashes between protesters and security forces since June 11.