Normal life was disrupted in Kashmir Valley due to the strike called by separatist groups in memory of the 22 persons killed during protests against Dogra forces in 1931.
Shops and business establishments in most parts of the Valley were shut and public transport was off the roads, officials said. However, private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in civil lines of the city and across major towns of the Valley, the officials said. They said some people had also put up stalls at the weekly flea market in Lal Chowk and Poloview area of the commercial hub of Srinagar city.
July 13 is observed as Martyrs' Day in the state in memory of 22 Kashmiris who were shot dead by Dogra troops outside Central jail here on the day in 1931. The separatists called for a general strike and had planned a march to Naqashband Sahib Shrine, where the martyrs were laid to rest.
The effect of the strike was accentuated by the restrictions imposed by the authorities in interior parts of Srinagar city. Restrictions were imposed on the movement of public and transport in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of five police stations in downtown Srinagar in an apparent attempt to foil the separatist rallies.Restrictions were imposed in the jurisdiction of Police Stations of Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal and Maharaj Gunj for maintaining law and order, peace and tranquility in the city, an official spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the graveyard and paid floral tributes to the martyrs. He laid flower wreaths over the graves and offered 'Fateh'. The Chief Minister said the sacrifice of martyrs to free the society from autocracy and lay edifice for democracy and human dignity is one of the richest chapters of the history of Jammu and Kashmir. "The best way to pay homage to the martyrs is to help create equitable and palatable environment for everyone to grow and develop in a democratic atmosphere," he said.
Omar was accompanied by many of his cabinet colleagues and functionaries of his National Conference party. Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Srinagar MP Tariq Hameed Karra, party spokesman Naeem Akhtar and several other leaders also paid their tributes to the martyrs.
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