Protests against the hanging of deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussain continued in Kahmir, even as a total shutdown marred normal life in Srinagar and all major towns on Friday.

The Valley had been simmering with anger ever since the hanging of the former Iraqi President even though the protests remained overshadowed because of Eid festivities.

Friday's spontaneous strike, which came about without any organisation calling for it, crippled normal life in Srinagar and other major towns

Despite Eid, street protests have been continuing the past three days with protestors shouting anti-US slogans and burning the effigies of President George W Bush.

Banks was affected on Friday, even as shops, businesses, transport are shut in Srinagar and other major towns.

Security in the entire summer capital is high and police and paramilitary troops in strength are out on the streets to maintain law and order.

Groups of youth took to streets in central Kashmir towns of Chadoora and Charisharief, south Kashmir towns of Pulwama, Chotta Bazzar, Rainawari and Saderbal localities of downtown Srinagar on Friday morning.

The protestors burnt tyres and shouted anti US slogans.