Kashmir Valley is observing a complete shutdown today on India’s Republic Day with authorities placing stringent security arrangements to thwart any protest or militant attack in the region.
All the shops, commercial establishments and petrol pumps are closed while public and private transport is also off the roads. All the roads in the city, which otherwise remain abuzz with traffic, wear a deserted look with police manning barricades at different intersections.
Large number of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personal have been deployed on Kashmir roads.
The call for shutdown was forwarded by Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik and was supported by militant outfits like Hizbul Mujhadeen and Lashkar-e-Toiba.
Eyewitnesses all the roads leading to Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, the venue for R-Day celebrations in Srinagar, have been sealed by security men where the official function is underway.
Besides Srinagar city, complete shutdown is also being observed in all the districts of North, South and Central Kashmir.
Meanwhile, mobile Internet services continues to be shut from past evening. Even call facilities have been stopped. The broadband services, however, is operational. The services were suspended at around 7 pm last evening. Every year on Aug 15 and Jan 26, authorities suspend the services in what has now become part of an ‘e-curfew’ on these days.