Srinagar /Aug, 15 : A complete shutdown on India’s Independence day called by Joint Resistance Leadership an amalgam of separatist groups hit normal life in Kashmir on Wednesday.
The call for shutdown was issued by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) – an amalgam of separatist outfits – headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik.
Witnesses said all shops and other business establishments remained shut in Srinagar and other districts of the Valley while traffic was off the roads. Government offices and banks also remained shut in view of a public holiday.
Meanwhile, police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength in Srinagar city where the main function is being held at S K Cricket Stadium in Sonwar.
Nakas have been placed at all the major intersections to prevent possible militant attacks in Srinagar.
Every vehicle is stopped and frisked before crossing the nakas, witnesses said.
Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, the main venue of I-day parade, has been placed under siege with a three-tier security to thwart any possible militant attacks.
Barricades have been erected on all roads leading to the venue, witnesses said.
Mobile telephony and Internet services have been suspended since early morning. An official said the step has been taken “as a precautionary measure” to prevent spread of rumours and triggering of IEDs by the militants.
