In Magam, the largest business hub of Central Kashmir, a shutdown is being observed today. All shops and commercial establishments remain closed. The strike has been called in protest against the arrest of youths by the police for waving Palestinian and Hezbollah flags during the 7th Muharram procession in Magam. It is noteworthy that for the past several days, police have been arresting youths from Magam and its adjoining areas, with more than two dozen arrests made so far. Yesterday as well, women staged a sit-in protest on the Srinagar-Gulmarg highway in Magam, blocking police vehicles when the detained youths were being shifted to the Narbal police post. People are raising questions as to why such serious charges have been imposed on these youths.