SRINAGAR, Feb 5: The summer capital of occupied Jammu and Kashmir state, Srinagar, closed down on Tuesday as Pakistan marked its annual Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Shops and businesses stayed shut and most streets were deserted barring skeletal traffic and security patrols in what is now an annual feature that coincides with Islamabad’s campaign for the region. The APHC, expressed its “deep gratitude” to Pakistan for observing a day of solidarity with the people of the strife-torn region.

“We express our deep gratitude to Pakistan and Azad Kashmir for observing Feb 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day to reaffirm continued political and diplomatic support to Kashmiri struggle,” Hurriyat said in a statement.—Reuters