SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Muslim majority areas of Indian-controlled Kashmir Sunday observed complete shutdown to protest Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the restive region.
The Indian prime minister is scheduled to visit Jammu division to inaugurate country's longest road tunnel , Chenani-Nashri tunnel, built on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway.
The call for shutdown was jointly given by separatist groups opposing New Delhi's rule in the region.
"Rhetoric about development or construction of tunnels and roads is futile and won't succeed to lure us. We have presented unparalleled sacrifice and nourished the movement with pious blood," reads a joint statement issued by separatist groups, urging locals for strike.
"We do not harbor any animosity towards the Indian prime minister but it is frightening and painful that instead of taking notice of the genocide in the state, he is awarding and rewarding the assassins."
Shops and businesses remained closed in the wake of the shutdown. Public transport was also off roads.
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