A strike called by separatists to protest against polling for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir Valley and the NIA action against Hurriyat Conference leaders and their kin saw shops, business and educational insitutions closed, disrupting life in Kashmir on Thursday.
Attendance in government and private offices was thin, while public transport remained off the roads in most parts of the valley. However, some private vehicles could be seen plying on the roads in the city, officials said.
Polling is being held Thursday for the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency where 13.12 lakh voters are eligible to decide the fate of nine candidates in the fray.
The officials said the situation across the valley was peaceful so far with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.
The joint resistance leadership, an amalgam of separatist conglomerates, has called for a shutdown.
They said the strike is also to protest against closure of Kashmir's main highway for civilians for two days in a week and the alleged attack by police and security forces on inmates at Central Jail Srinagar.
Appealing to people to stay away from the Lok Sabha polls, separatists said the shutdown will be observed in areas which are going to polls in the valley in subsequent phases of the elections.
PTI
