A separatist-sponsored strike to protest rising number of braid chopping incidents in Kashmir today affected normal life in the Valley.  Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of the city as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.  Shops, schools and business establishments remained closed due to the strike called by the separatists against the rising number of braid chopping incidents in Kashmir, officials said.  They said public transport was off the roads in most parts while some private vehicles were seen plying. An official spokesman said restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC were imposed in areas falling under the jurisdictions of police stations Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Kralkhud, Maisuma, M R Gunj and Safakadal in the city as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident.