Kashmir observed a complete shutdown on Sunday as Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in the Valley, even as strict curfew remained in place in parts of Srinagar for the third consecutive day.
The call for shutdown was given by the joint separatist leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik against the Home Minister’s visit to the state. All commercial establishments remained closed while minimal public transport was seen on the streets. The commercial hub LalChowk wore a deserted look, but the weekly Sunday market was open. A report said that district headquarters including Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Budgam observed a complete shutdown.
Meanwhile, areas falling under jurisdiction of six police stations in Downtown and one in Uptown Srinagar remained under curfew to thwart any protests. A witness said since Friday, the police imposed strict curbs across Downtown and even blocked main roads with concertina wire.
“We are not even allowed buy essentials,” said a Nowhatta resident. “On Saturday and Sunday, curbs were even stricter as compared to previous days of restrictions.” On the contrary, markets in many Srinagar areas were seen open that included Sonwar, Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh, Shiv Pora, Athwajan and PanthaChowk.
Kashmir observes Shutdown over Rajnath’s visit, Srinagar parts under curfew for 3rd day
