Kashmir observed hartal on Thursday in protest against the polling during the first phase of general election and the NIA action against the Hurriyat leaders. The call for hartal was given by the separatists.
Business establishments remained closed and transport went off the roads in Srinagar and the major towns
However, the shutdown didn’t affect the polling in Baramulla constituency where upwards of 30 percent people had cast their vote by early afternoon. Around 13,12 lakh voters are deciding the fate of nine candidates in the fray in constituency.
Jammu Lok Sabha constituency, on the other hand, recorded 44.65 per cent turnout by 1 pm.
Separatists have appealed to people to boycott Lok Sabha polls. In subsequent phases, separatists have urged people to observe shutdown in areas which are going to polls in the valley.
Shutdown is also being observed in protest against the ban on Udhampur-Baramulla highway which has severely inconvenienced the people.
