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General strike hits life in Kashmir valley

Normal life was disrupted on Friday in Srinagar and other major towns of Kashmir valley following a general strike called by All Parties Hurriyat Conference to protest the killing of five women belonging to minority community last week, and the alleged violation of human rights in the state.

The streets and main markets in Srinagar wore a deserted look as people remained indoors with all modes of transport being off the roads.

However, there was no report of any violence from any part of the valley.

A Hurriyat Conference spokesman referring to the killings of the women belonging to Sikh and Pandit families at Poshkreeri and Hugam villages in Bijbehara area of Anantnag on December 21 said, "Only anti-movement elements can resort to such heinous crime."

He said minorities were 'very dear' to Hurriyat and protecting them was a religious obligation.

"We also feel insecure," the spokesman said and demanded an impartial probe into the killings.

While authorities blamed militants for the killing, militant groups and secessionist organisations alleged that the killings were carried out by 'pro-government' agencies to malign the ongoing 'struggle' in Kashmir.

Meanwhile, shops and business establishments in Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Pulwama and Anantnag district headquarters and other major towns of the five districts were closed on Friday and public and private transport were affected, official reports said.

Work in government offices was badly hit, while semi-government offices and courts were closed across the valley, the reports said.

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