Severe cold due to fresh snowfall disrupt normal life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 26 (UNI) Severe cold due to fresh snowfall, coupled with frequent power failure, shortage of LPG gas and increase in the prices of essential commodities, has affected normal life in the Kashmir valley.

Srinagar city, the summer capital of the state, witnessed light rains since early this morning resulting in considerable cold forcing people to remain indoor.

The upper reaches in the Kashmir valley experienced fresh snowfall since last evening after the Western Disturbances (WD) entered Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan on December 25 morning.

The entire northern belt, including Kupwara, Sadhna top, Machil, Keran and Karnah received fresh snowfall resulting in severe cold in the plains.

The routes which were being used by the militants for sneaking into this side from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) have also been closed due to heavy snowfall.

Reports of snowfall were also received from Khilanmarg, Affarwat and world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, where hundreds of skiers from within the state and outside are participating in the adventure sports.

A report from South Kashmir said about one to two feet of fresh snowfall was experienced at holy Amarnath cave and its periphery and other halting points from Pahalgam to cave.

The tourist spots of Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, Deksum and upper reaches of Shopian also experienced fresh snowfall.

People in the city continued to suffer severe cold owing to icy winds with LPG shortage and prize rise further disrupting their routine life.

Alleging shortage of LPG gas, people said that the dealers were selling the cylinders in blackmarket.

Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Safa Kadal said he was waiting in queue since 0830 hours for a gas cylinder.

People at Karan Nagar, Badshah Nagar, Natipora, Kak sarai, Khanyar, Nawa Kadal, Batmaloo and Dalgate also complained about shortage of gas.

However, authorities claimed that enough stock of LPG gas cylinders was available in the valley.

Reports of protests aginst frequent power failure were also received from different areas.

The prices of essential commodities has also increased several fold. A dozen of eggs costs Rs 30 against the government approved rate of Rs 24 while chicken per kg is being sold at Rs 65 to Rs 70 and meat at Rs 150 per kg, which is much higher than the approved rate. Vegetables, being imported from other northern states and Jammu also costs much more.

UNI BAS QAB AKJ VV1607