A complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir Valley against the arrest of Professor Syed Abdul Rehman Geelani and JNU students over an event organized to commemorate the hanging anniversary of Muhammad Afzal Guru in JNU campus.The call for shutdown was given jointly Hurriyat Conference (G) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and was supported by almost all the pro-freedom groups.Witnesses told Srinagar-based news agency GNS that all commercial establishments, shops and petrol pumps were closed in the City while government offices recorded thin attendance. The public transport was also off the routes while private transport was plying normally, they said.
The authorities had deployed contingents of police and paramilitary personal in Lal Chowk and its adjoining areas to maintain the law and order. Police had sealed the entry and exit points of Maisuma and Gaw Kadal areas by concertina wires. The forces were also deployed in several parts of the Old City to curb protests.Reports informed GNS that scores of youths resorted to youth on CRPF in Habba Kadal area of downtown ensuing clashes. As the clashes ensuing, police used teargas shells against the protesters which continued for more than an hour.In Saraf Kadal, dozens of youths assembled in the late afternoon and staged anti-India protest. The youths also resorted to stone-pelting on government force ensuing clashes between the two sides. The clashes continued till late hours but no one was reported to be injured.Reports from rest of the Valley said there was complete strike on the call of pro-freedom groups. (GNS)