Srinagar, April 30 (ANI): A shutdown was observed in Kashmir on Wednesday during the seventh phase of general elections in response to a call given by hard line Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his moderate counterpart Mirwaiz Umer Farooq. Both separatist leaders reportedly asked the people to keep away from polling booths and not to vote for any of the candidates contesting the elections. Business establishments, schools and transport are closed and roads in the Kashmir Valley wore a deserted look. Security is heavily beefed up in the province which is giving the residents jitters. Several candidates, including National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and opposition leader Tariq Hammed Qara are in the electoral fray for the Srinagar constituency.
