Shutdown, restrictions cripples life in Kashmir on I-day

Srinagar: Life in most parts of Kashmir Valley on Tuesday came to a grinding halt in view of the government imposed curbs coupled with a complete shutdown called by joint resistance leadership on August 15.

Reports said that all shops, private offices, petrol pumps, business establishments remained closed throughout the day due to restrictions and the strike called by JRL on Independence day in Kashmir.

Public and private transport was also off on all the major roads and highways across the Valley. Vehicles carrying pro-India politicians, armed forces were only seen plying on the roads in this summer capital.

In Srinagar, the summer capital of the state, thousands of paramilitary CRPF troops and policemen armed with sophisticated weapons and riot gear guarded the deserted streets, lanes and by lanes.

Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of today’s event, was turned into a fortress by paramilitary CRPF troops and police with three tier security around it. Besides the Stadium, troops and police had sealed off all the roads leading to the venue with barricades, razor wire and armored vehicles to ensure the smooth visit of pro-India parties and to prevent any attack by the militants.

Train service also remained affected in the wake of shutdown called by the resistance joint leadership.

Meanwhile, mobile services were restored in the valley after remaining suspended for nearly five hours.

All incoming and outgoing calls besides mobile Internet services were suspended at 8am as a precautionary measure, the officials said.