Normal life crippled due to a strike called by JRL in poll-bound central Kashmir

5 Dariya News

Srinagar , 18 Apr 2019

Normal life crippled due to a strike called by JRL in poll-bound central Kashmir area of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal.According to reports no restrictions in any part of the valley though security forces were deployed in strength, particularly in poll-bound central Kashmir spread over Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal  to maintain law and order.Shops and business establishments were closed and traffic was off the road in downtown, civil lines and uptown Srinagar though few private vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, besides three-wheelers, could be seen plying on some routes.Additional security forces, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding weapons and lathis in their hands, were seen patrolling the streets in Srinagar areas to prevent any untoward incident. Security forces have also deployed in strength around polling stations to maintain law and order.Life was also paralysed in the central Kashmir districts of Ganderbal and Budgam with all shops and business establishments shut and traffic off the roads due to the strike.The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has called for a strike on Thursday against elections in poll-bound areas in the valley.Over 12.95 lakh voters will seal the fate of 12 candidates in fray, including former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, who is seeking re-election, from Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, spread over three central Kashmir districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal.Meanwhile Security forces opened fire on protesters in Hafroo village of Chadoora Township in central Kashmir’s Budgam district afternoon.Reports said that three persons have received bullet injuries and were shifted to nearby medical facility.Reports said that youths pelted stones on the forces deployed in the area for polling. The forces retaliated by firing bullets and pellets, they said.Earlier clashes erupted in several parts of the district amid polling for the second phase of parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir.Witnesses said that the clashes ensued at several places including in main town Beerwah, Kandoora, Chewdara, Kawoosa and Rathsun villages. (PTK)