Kashmir Shuts Down to Protest Against Blasphemous Cartoons

Srinagar, Jan 23 (IANS) A separatist-called shutdown to protest against the publication of blasphemous cartoons affected normal life in the Kashmir Valley Friday.

A protest shutdown called by separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mohammad Yasin Malik and others affected normal life Friday across the valley as markets, public transport and other businesses remained closed in summer capital Srinagar and other major towns.

Routine functioning of banks, post offices and government departments was adversely affected because of non-availability of public transport in Srinagar and other places.

Skeletal traffic, however, plied on city roads as contingents of police and paramilitary central reserve police force (CRPF) were deployed in strength to maintain law and order.

The shutdown has been called against the blasphemous cartoons depicting the Prophet of Islam published by the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo.

The publication of these cartoons has caused widespread outrage.

The separatists have also called for protests after the Friday prayers.