Kashmir strike on anniversary

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A day-long strike is being observed in India-administered Kashmir to mark the death anniversaries of two key leaders.

The chief cleric of Srinagar's Jama Masjid (mosque), Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq was shot by gunmen 17 years ago.

The strike has been called by his son, Omar Farooq, who is now Indian Kashmir's chief priest.

On the same day in 2002, prominent separatist leader Abdul Ghani Lone was killed at a rally held to observe the anniversary of Mirwaiz's killing.

Most shops and businesses and educational institutions are closed across the region.

Alert

In the summer capital, Srinagar, streets are deserted and most government officers are also shut for the day.

Police and security forces have been put on alert although there have been no reports of violence so far.

Mirwaiz Omar Farooq was 17 when his father, Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq, was assassinated by unidentified gunmen.

He is due to lead a special prayer at Jama Masjid and is also scheduled to address a rally at his father's cemetery where Mr Lone is also buried.