Normal life was affected in Kashmir Friday due to the strike called by separatist groups though transport – both public and private – was plying in many parts of the Srinagar city. Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments remained closed due to the strike.
There was comparatively less public activity today because of the Friday as people apprehend law and order problems after the congregational prayers. The officials said schools and other educational institutions were closed.
Similar reports were received from most other district headquarters of the Valley, they said.The separatists are spearheading the ongoing agitation since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. They have been issuing weekly protest programmes.
In their new protest programme, the separatists have announced three full days of relaxation on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Clashes erupted in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district between protesters and government forces after congregational Friday prayers.
People in large number assembled at Jamia Masjid area of Sopore as soon as Friday prayers ended.
They were shouting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.
Youth resorted to stone-pelting following massive pro-freedom sloganeering immediately after Friday prayers.
Meanwhile, there was less movement of people and transport across Kashmir on Friday as normal life remained affected due to the strike called by separatists.
Clashes erupted between protesters and the government forces at bus stand and Aabgar areas of Tral township of Pulwama district in south Kashmir after Friday prayers.
As soon as Friday prayers ended at Khankah Faiz Panah, a protest rally was taken out towards bus stand Tral where protestors pelted stones on forces.
There was no immediate report of any injuries.
