Closed markets and deserted roads greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in Srinagar as Kashmir observed a shutdown on the call of separatists.

The call for the shutdown was given by separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik as a mark of protest against Modi’s visit.

While the shutdown hit normal life, the state suspended mobile internet service across the Valley to ensure that Modi’s visit passes off peacefully.

An official said internet services were suspended as a precautionary measure around midnight

Shops, business establishments and fuel stations were shut and public transport was off the roads in Srinagar. However, some private vehicles plied on city roads. Some separatist leaders and a former MLA were placed under house arrest on Saturday.

There were also reports of a shutdown in other district headquarters of the Valley.

In Srinagar, the PMinaugurated and laid stones of developmental projects. He also inspected the Dal Lake and interacted with students from various states andnewly elected sarpanches.

Many locals were, however, indifferent to the visit of the Prime Minister. “Nothing changes for an ordinary Kashmiri whosoever visits the Valley,” said Ali Mohammad, a vendor at Batamaloo.

A police officer said the day passed peacefully. “There were no reports of any untoward incident,” he added.

Meanwhile, the mobile internet was restored in the Valley on Sunday evening

Courtesy:The Tribune,Feb04,2019