SRINAGAR, Sept 18: Shops, businesses and educational institutions across Kashmir valley are closed in protest against the US-made film which denounces Islam and Prophet Muhammad, police and witnesses say, even as a large number of people, shouting anti-America slogans, have taken to streets protesting against the film.
‘Innocence of Muslims’, a low budget film made by an Israeli-American which depicts Prophet of Islam in poor light, triggered violent protests across the Muslim world adding to the already prevalent anger against United States.
In Srinagar, Kashmir’s main city, streets wear a deserted look with skeletal traffic, government offices witnessed less attendance.
A strike was called by a group of religious scholars supported by the valley’s premier traders’ organisation, Kashmir Economic Alliance. Few separatist leaders including hardline Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and JKLF chairman. Muhammad Yasin Malik, threw support for the shutdown call.
Also Read: Geelani calls for Kashmir strike, says ‘not playing safe’
Muslim-majority Kashmir has witnessed a series of anti-American and Israel protests since last weekend, after news spread about a video uploaded on YouTube, which was a trailer of the blasphemous movie.
In Libya, a US diplomat was killed in an attack, apparently retaliation to the disrespectful content of the movie.
Kashmir, otherwise known to erupt over any act of blasphemy or desecration, however maintained calm and protested peacefully.
Earlier on Sunday, ministry of external affairs said Google India has blocked the anti-Islam film after formal requests made by them.
Also Read: Google India blocks anti-Islam film
