Kashmiri separatists call for shutdown on Republic Day

A complete shutdown is being observed across the Kashmir valley on Sunday amid tight security on Republic Day.

The shutdown call was given by the hardliner Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, and was supported by a host of separatist groups.

The authorities have deployed heavy security here and in other major towns to foil any attempt by militants to disturb the Republic Day function.

Every year the separatists announce shutdown calls on Republic Day and Independence Day.

“Kashmir remains shut throughout. Mostly leaders of the Hurriyat Conference like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq or Geelani or Yaseen Malik, this shutdown is called from their side,” Suhail Ahmad, a local resident said.

Meanwhile, all shops, business establishments, and the public transport remain shut.

The main Republic Day function here will be held at Bakshi Stadium amid tight security.