Life was crippled in Srinagar [Images] and all other major towns and tehsils in the Kashmir Valley on Saturday due to a general strike called by the Coordination Committee spearheading the present Amarnath agitation.

Shops and other business establishments remained closed and traffic was also off the roads.

Educational institutions also wore a deserted look.

Work in government offices was affected as employees stayed away from work in response to strike call.

Banks and other financial institutions, besides petrol pumps, government ration depots remained closed.

Reports of complete shutdown were also received from north Kashmir where streets wore a deserted look and only security forces and police personnel were seen guarding the streets.

Similar reports were also received from south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama and Kulgam and central Kashmir's Badgam and Ganderbal.

The CC, an alliance of both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference, other separatist organisations, traders, Kashmir Bar Association, religious organistions and fruit growers, had called for a general strike on Satuday in protest against the recent agreement on Amarnth shrine land issue.

The CC also demanded opening of all routes with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for trade and free movement, release of all detenues and withdrawal of troops and special powers to security forces in the state.