The shutdown was called to protest the publication of an image depicting Prophet Mohammad in some European newspapers.

As angry youth burned car tyres and pelted stones in Srinagar [Images], shops and other business establishments remained shut.

Non-availability of public transport also affected attendances in government offices and banks.

In its strike call, the Bar Association in Srinagar said, 'In the name of freedom of speech, some Europeans are hurting the sentiments of Muslims by carrying caricatures of the Holy Prophet. Such actions are not only highly condemnable, but satanic as well.'