Patnitop (J-K)/Nainital/New Delhi, Feb 12: The higher reaches of North India have received heavy snowfall in recent days, and this is attracting hordes of tourists from the plains.

Snowfall at several places, including in Nainital, is attracting tourists in large numbers.

It has brought a smile on the faces of tourists who are enjoying the weather after the region was hit by a dry spell.

"It is a very nice feeling, I am enjoying," said Raveena, a tourist.

Srinagar, Feb 11: Srinagar observed a shutdown on Wednesday in response to a call by separatists to mark the 25th anniversary of the hanging of separatist leader Maqbool Bhat in a Delhi jail.

The city wore a deserted look in response to the shutdown in Kashmir valley called by the Hurriyat Conference.

The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in a statement called Maqbool Bhat "the pioneer of the ongoing freedom struggle of Kashmir."

"People in Kashmir remember Maqbool Bhat today. The separatists called for a shutdown today and people are supporting it fully," said Ghulam Rasool Wani, a resident.

Srinagar, Feb. 10 : Protestors demanding the removal of a paramilitary camp from their area clashed with security forces here on Tuesday.

The protestors alleged that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed in Maisum area had beaten the shopkeepers and ransacked their shops.

Police had to resort to ''lathi charge'' and tear smoke shells at the protestors who prolonged their attacks on the set-ups.

A number of locals as well as the security personnel were injured in the incident.

Srinagar, Feb 10: The Jammu and Kashmir state employees went on a two-day strike from Tuesday to demand implementation of the sixth pay panel report and enhancement of the retirement age to 60 from 58 years.

Ignoring state Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather''s appeal not to strike as the Government has agreed in principal to implement the pay penal recommendations, employees of all government offices and public sector undertakings remained shut on Tuesday across Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, Feb. 8 : Paramilitary troops have started withdrawing from the Kashmir Valley on the directives of the Central Government.

The Government announced on February 4 that it would withdraw 133 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) (over 13,000 personnel) from Jammu and Kashmir.

These personnel were deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to maintain law and order during the Amarnath land row and later to ensure peaceful conduct of elections to the State legislature last year.