Kashmir observes separatist shutdown

Srinagar, Oct 27 (IBNS) Kashmir observed a complete shut down on Thursday following a strike call given by separatist leaders to protest against the landing of Indian Army in the valley on this day in 1947.

The strike call was given by the Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani and was supported by all other separatist organizations including the Hurriyat (M) led by Mirwaiz Omar Farooq.

No untoward incident has been reported from any part of the Valley.

The authorities deployed contingents of police and CRPF to scuttle any protests.

Hundreds of policemen donning riot gears were deployed in the sensitive areas in Srinagar and other towns to thwart any possible trouble.

Shops, business establishments, fuel stations and other commercial establishments remained closed while skeletal public transport was plying on the roads.

Reports said that life remained completely crippled in South Kashmir's Islamabad town.
The town wore a deserted look. Shops, schools and other business institutions remained closed. Thin traffic was witnessed on roads.

Strike was also observed in Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian districts of south Kashmir.

In north Kashmir life was paralyzed in Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora areas. But thin private traffic plied on the roads.

Situation remained calm in volatile area of Sopore.

Chairman of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani had called the protest against the "illegal landing and occupation" of Indian troops in 1947.

The Indian troops had landed in 1947 in Kashmir, when Maharaja Hari Singh, the then Hindu ruler of the State, had sought the help from late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru against the Pak tribal warriors who had attacked Kashmir.

Kashmir then acceded to India with the signing of the Instrument of Accession, a legal document executed by Maharajah Hari Singh, Oct 26, 1947.

By executing this document under the provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947, Maharajah Hari Singh agreed to accede to the Dominion of India

(Reporting by Neyaz Elahi)