J&K: Separatist-sponsored strike disrupts normal life in Kashmir valley
What's the story
Normal life in Kashmir was affected today due to the strike called by separatists to protest against the landing of the army in the valley on this day in 1947 to repulse the invasion by Pakistan. Shops, fuel stations, private offices, and other business establishments remained closed in Srinagar, officials said. They said some private schools also remained closed due to the strike.
Details
Public transport remained off road, forces placed in sensitive areas
The officials said that public transport remained largely off the roads, while private cars, cabs, and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in many areas of Srinagar. Similar reports of the shutdown were received from other district headquarters of the valley, they said, adding that security forces were deployed in strength at sensitive places to avoid any untoward incident.
Shutdown
Shutdown called to protest against landing of Army in 1947
Separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), had called for a shutdown today to protest against landing of Army in Kashmir on October 27, 1947. The Army had launched an operation, a day after the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, signed the instrument of accession with the Union of India, to repulse tribal raiders from Pakistan from the region.
Information
JRL has asked people to observe 'Occupation Day' today
The separatist outfits have been calling for a strike on this day every year since eruption of militancy in J&K in 1989. The JRL comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Mohammad Yasin Malik had asked the people to observe "Occupation Day" today.