SRINAGAR APR 07: Normal life was crippled in the Kashmir valley, after Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) and traders have called for a general strike in protest against the killing of five civilians and thirteen militants.

Traffic was also off the roads and work in government offices and financial institutions was also affected due to strike.

However, in the down town and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) in Srinagar, parts Kangan and Ganderbal besides Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag authorities imposed restrictions.

The authorities have already ordered closure of all educational institution besides suspended rail service in the valley today for security reasons.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in restriction free areas in Srinagar, including outskirts, civil lines and uptown. Traffic was also off the road though some private vehicles could be seen plying on some routes in the uptown. Work in government offices and banks was also affected due to strike. Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, has ordered closure of all educational institutions in the district as precautionary measure.

Business and other activities were paralysed in this and majority other north Kashmir towns and tehil headquarters, a report from Baramulla said. Traffic was also off the roads and work in government offices and financial institutions was also affected due to strike.

Additional security forces have been deployed on all bridges, connecting down town with civil lines in Baramulla and Sopore. Similarly security arrangements were further beefed up in Kupwara, Bandipora and other areas to prevent any law and order problem.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, both under house arrest, and Mohammad Yaseen Malik, lodged in central jail, have called for protests after Friday prayers in the valley.

The restrictions amid strike were also put in place for the fifth successive day in south Kashmir district of Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama.