Strike over Indian PM statements shuts IHK

SRINAGAR (AFP) - Kashmiri leaders called a one-day strike Saturday in Occupied territory to protest against a statement by Indian Premier Manmohan Singh that there was no place for separatist thought in the region.
The shutdown, called by All Parties Hurriyat Conference, closed shops, schools and businesses in Srinagar and other Muslim-majority towns.
Singh said in a speech last week in recent elections staged in Kashmir were proof that there is no place for separatist thought in the region.
The remarks were condemnable, the hardline wing of the APHC said in a statement.
IHK polls last year recorded 60 percent voter turnout but the voter turnout was just 30 percent in Indian national elections earlier this year.
Kashmiri leaders say the high state poll turnout should not be seen as a desire by voters to be part of India. People cast their ballots over local issues such as demands for better roads and electricity supply, they say.
Singh should adopt a realistic approach and understand the people have never accepted the illegal occupation of Kashmir by his (Indian) forces, said the Kashmiri leaders.
Last year Kashmir was hit by some of the biggest anti-India demonstrations since the eruption of the insurgency against New Delhis rule in 1989 that has left more than 47,000 people dead.