53 shutdowns in Kashmir Valley from June to September

The Kashmir Valley has witnessed 53 days of shutdown in the four months from June to September this year, chief minister Omar Abdullah said.Abdullah, who also holds the home portfolio, gave a detailed list of shutdowns and their impact on the state in a written reply to question asked by Mohammad Yousuf Taing in the state Legislative Council yesterday.The process of shutdowns began on June 7 when both factions of Hurriyat Conference called for a strike on the eve of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the valley.However, the strikes became a regular feature soon after the killing of a teenage boy, Tufail Ahmad Mattoo, after he was hit by a tear smoke cannister allegedly fired by police following which both Hurriyat factions called for a shutdown.Out of the 53 shutdowns observed in the valley from June 1 to September 30, three shutdowns were called by both the Hurriyat factions, one was called by the moderate faction and the rest 49, were called by the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference, which is spearheading the ongoing agitation in the valley.Omar also said several industries and business sectors suffered heavy financial losses during the period."During the current turmoil, the government property worth crores of rupees has been damaged and burnt. The transport, horticulture, tourism and other business sectors have also suffered," Abdullah said.More than 100 people have been killed in the Valley in last four months of unrest.