The normal life was crippled in Kashmir on Thursday in response to two-day shutdown call by separatists against the attempts by several groups and individuals challenging the Article 35-A of the constitution of India that bars outsiders from buying immovable property in the State.

The shutdown call has been issued by the Joint Resistance leadership (JRl) – an amalgam of separatist political parties to protest against the attempts in the wake of a case in Supreme Court slated for hearing on August 31.

The authorities have imposed restrictions under section144 in areas under seven police stations in old and uptown city. Huge deployment of police and paramilitary forces personnel in riot gear was made in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir Valley.

All shops, fuel stations and other business establishments, educational institutions remained closed in capital Srinagar and other areas of the city while public transport was off the roads. Scant private transport plied in several interiors. The shutdown has impacted attendance in Government offices.

The train services from Baramulla in north Kashmir through Srinagar to Banihal in Jammu region, were also suspended. The speed of mobile internet has been reduced.

Similar reports of shutdown have also been received from other districts of the Valley.

Reports of shutdown have also been received from Chenab Valley areas of Doda, Bhaderwah, Banihal, Thathri, Gandoh and Kishtwar in Jammu region.

Peaceful protest rallies amid shutdown were organized by locals under different banners across the Valley.

There have been repeated protests in the State against any change in Article 35A and Article 370, with the State’s main political parties such as the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party taking to the streets. Senior Congress leaders in the state have also warned of a massive agitation if Article 35A is tweaked.