Thaindian News

Srinagar, Sep 18 (IANS) A protest shutdown over a US-made anti-Islam video, called by local traders, transporters and some religious organizations, affected normal life here and other places in the Kashmir Valley Tuesday.

The shutdown has been supported by senior separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Muhammad Nayeem Khan. Local bar association has also supported Tuesday’s protest shutdown.

Markets, public transport, educational institutions and other business establishments remained shut in Srinagar city and other major towns of the Valley including Baramulla, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Badgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Kupwara and Bandipora.

Work in the local courts has also been adversely affected by the shutdown call.

Very little traffic moved on the roads in Srinagar city where non-availability of public transport also affected attendance in banks, post offices and government offices.

Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in full riot gear were deployed at all the sensitive places in uptown and old city areas here to maintain law and order.

There have been widespread protests during the last seven days in the Valley against the blasphemous video which depicts the Prophet of Islam in poor light.

The video which had been uploaded on the YouTube has since been blocked by various Internet search engines on the request of the union telecom ministry.