Srinagar: An intensified shutdown was witnessed Tuesday in Srinagar and other areas across Kashmir as a group of European Union parliamentarians arrived here on an unofficial visit.
The European Union office in India has distanced itself from the visit of the parliamentarians facilitated by the Indian government.
Stone throwing clashes erupted at several places as shutdown entered 85th straight day in Kashmir against the abrogation of Article 370.
At least four persons were injured in clashes, the PTI reported.
In Srinagar, youth came out on roads and hurled stones at government forces and vehicles. As a result, there was a thin movement of private vehicles on roads throughout the day.
In areas of the city like Habba Kadal, , Zaina Kadal, Sekidafar, youth were seen pelting stones on government forces and blocked roads.
In Lal Bazar interiors, concrete poles were laid across roads to prevent public movement.
Similarly, in Mallabagh-Hafizbagh road, stone throwing protests erupted in morning. Later, forces dispersed youth by firing some aerial shots.
In Batamaloo, locals had laid barricades and did not allow traffic to ply through the area. Protests also erupted in Natipora area.
Elsewhere, shop and business establishments remained shut across Kashmir while street vendors vanished from Srinagar streets.
All the streets from Radio Kashmir to Batamaloo and Karan Nagar, which used to be occupied with street vendors wore deserted look for the whole day.
The “unofficial” delegation of European Union parliamentarians arrived in Kashmir after holding meetings with Prime Minister Narendra and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Monday.
Since August 5, Kashmir has remained shut with the business sector recording losses worth Rs 10000 crore, according to initial estimates of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
While post-paid mobile phones were restored on October 14 after 70 days blackout prepaid mobile services and internet remains suspended.

ARIF RASHID