Srinagar: Normal life was crippled in the Kashmir valley due to general strike called by pro-freedom groups here as on this day in 1931, twenty-two Kashmiris were killed in firing by police during Dogra rule outside the Central Jail, Srinagar.

The firing incident took place when people had assembled outside the jail, where court proceedings against Abdul Qadeer were taking place for asking people to defy the Dogra rule. As a mark of respect to the martyrs, the state observes official holiday on this day every year. Governor Satya Pal Malik and leaders of different political parties and separatists paid tributes to the martyrs.

The authorities had imposed restrictions in parts of the downtown, including around the Martyrs grave yard at Naqashband Sahib Khawaja Bazar since early this morning to prevent people from assembling there. Historic Jamia Masjid also remained closed and large number of security forces remained deployed near the worship place, where no Friday prayers could be offered due to restrictions.

Shops and business remained closed in the civil lines and other areas in summer capital, Srinagar. Traffic was also off the roads. However, banks, educational institutions and offices remained closed on account of official holiday today. Private vehicles and some cabs and three-wheelers were plying on some routes.

Reports of complete shutdown were also received from district and tehsil headquarters in north, south and central Kashmir districts.

Meanwhile, authorities have already suspended train service for security reasons in the Kashmir valley. Besides yatra from Jammu to Kashmir has also been suspended.

However, pilgrimage from base camps of Baltal in central Kashmir district of Ganderbal and Nunwan Pahalgam was going on smoothly.