Strike affects life in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: Normal life was disrupted in the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday following a call for by separatist and militant organisations coinciding with the fourth and final phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar wore a deserted look as shops and business establishments remained closed and transporters chose to remain off the roads following the strike call given by pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen and supported by several separatist organisations including Hurriyat Conference.
Similar reports were received from other districts in the valley, official sources said.
Assembly elections are being held in six constituencies of Doda district and Lolab segment in Kupwara on Tuesday.
The first three phases of elections, held on September 16 and 24 and October 1, also witnessed dawn-to-dusk strikes called by the Hurriyat Conference.
Hurriyat had given a poll boycott call saying tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and representatives of Kashmir only could resolve the Kashmir issue and described the elections as a "futile exercise".