Complete shut down cripples life in Kashmir on 4th day

United News of India
Srinagar, Feb 4:
Life remained crippled for the fourth day today in the Kashmir valley due to general strike in protest against the death of a 13-year-old boy in police action on Sunday evening in down town city.
The four-day strike was called by Tehreek-e-Islam (TeI) though both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) had called for one day strike on Monday only.
Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was completely off the roads in the summer capital, Srinagar, where the three wheelers had a field day, charging extra from the passengers.
Interestingly the traffic police personnel, who remained over busy during normal days, were also relaxing because of no traffic.
Work in government offices, banks and other public undertakings also remained affected due to strike as employees stayed away from work in response to the call.
Government ration depots and petrol pumps also remained closed.
The TeI had given four days strike call from Monday in protest against the death of Wamiq Farooq after he was hit in the head by a teargas shell fired by the police officer. The officer has been suspended.
The parents of Wamiq refused the ex-gratia relief and demanded justice.
A report from Anantnag said life in this and other south Kashmir districts and tehsil headquarters also remained crippled due to strike.
Streets wore a deserted look with only security forces holding automatic weapons, lathis and shields hile guarding the roads.
At some places pedestrain movement has also been restricted.
Shops and other business establishments in the town and adjoining areas remained closed and traffic off the roads. Security forces had closed several roads with the help of barbed wire and parked bullet proof bunker vehicles on the middle of the roads. Government offices and banks also remained closed due to strike and restrictions.
Life also remained paralysed in this and other north Kashmir towns with all business and other activities remained paralysed, a UNI report from Baramulla said.
Security forces and police personnel had closed several roads and pedestrains were being directed to remain indoor. Traffic was also off the roads and work in government offices affected.
Similar reports were also received from other parts of the valley.