The life in Indian Kashmir was hit by strike and restrictions on Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the region on Tuesday.

Srinagar, June 25/Nationalturk- The strike coupled with tough security restrictions paralysed life in Indian Kashmir on Tuesday as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived on a two-day visit to the region.

All shops, business establishments, government offices, banks, educational institutions, petrol pumps and private institutes remained closed while public transport was off the roads.

The strike was called by the separatists to protest against 2-day visit of Indian PM to the region.

The authorities also imposed tough security restrictions in parts of Srinagar, summer capital of Indian administered Kashmir, and some other parts of the region to ensure peace. Police and paramilitary soldiers were deployed in strength in Srinagar while army men were deployed in outskirts of Srinagar to maintain vigil and prevent militants from carrying out any strikes.

The security men had erected barriers after every kilometer to check the antecedents of people and to regulate the movement of the vehicles.

The security arrangements were further beefed up after yesterday’s deadly militant attack on Indian army at Hyderpora area in Kashmir. At least eight Indian army men were killed and 16 others injured in the attack, which was owned by indigenous militant group Hizbul Mujahideen. The militant group has warned of more such attack in near future.

The police and paramilitary personnel had sealed all roads leading to city centre Lal Chowk and no vehicle or person was allowed to move towards the city centre. However, the restrictions were eased in the afternoon. The famed Boulevard road on the banks of world famous Dal Lake has also been made out of bound for civilian movement for two days.

“Since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be staying in Governor’s House on Boulevard road, the famed road has been closed for all kinds of vehicular movement. It has been made out of bound for civilian movement,” a senior police official said.

Militants will never succeed: Indian PM

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who arrived on a two-day visit to Kashmir this morning, kick-started work on a mega 850 megawatt hydro-electric project on river Chenab in mountainous Kishtwar region of Kashmir.

“The 850 MW Ratle project will cost Rs 5,500 crore,” Singh said while laying foundation stone of the project.

He said every effort will be made to complete the project by its scheduled deadline of February 2018. “The electricity generated from the Ratle project will bring prosperity to the people of Kashmir”.

Singh said Indian government has decided to give additional 150 MW power to Kashmir to overcome the seasonal power deficiency.

Referring to militant violence in the region, Indian PM said peace and tranquility were essential for development. “Peace is gaining roots in the region and 2012 witnessed lowest incidents of violence in last two decades”.

Referring to yesterday’s militant attack on army in which eight soldiers were killed, he said there was a need to keep a constant vigil to prevent attacks like the one that took place yesterday at Hyderpora.

“I want to make it clear that Indian is united against the militants and such elements will never succeed in their evil designs. There was a need to instil confidence among the people and ensure their involvement in development and administrative affairs,” Singh said.

Singh meets injured soldiers in Army hospital

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited the army men, who were injured in yesterday’s militant attack in Hyderpora area of Kashmir.

“PM and Sonia visited army Hospital in Srinagar and interacted with the injured soldiers. The lauded the sacrifices of the army men,” an Indian army spokesman said.

He said PM and other dignatories visited the ICU and surgical ward and met the injured soldiers. “The PM enquired about the health of every injured soldier and praised them for their bravery and dedication in the service of the nation,” he said.

“During his interaction with soldiers he wished them a speedy recovery. He presented gifts to the injured soldiers and interacted with them very intimately,” the spokesman added.

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Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk India News

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