Shutdown in Kashmir over protests on new land laws

Srinagar: A shut down was observed in Srinagar and other parts of the valley on Saturday based on a  call given by the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat. The call was given against the amendments made in the land laws by Centre, which enables outsiders to come in Jammu and Kashmir and purchase land without any hassle.

On Saturday, normal life was disrupted as most of the shops and business establishments were shut, while public transport also was absent. However, there was some vehicular movement on the roads, private vehicles and auto-rickshaws were moving around in the civil lines area of Srinagar and other parts.

Mainstream political parties have already said that they will resist these amendments to the land laws, while the moderate Hurriyat has come out of its shell after fifteen months and has given a general strike call as well.