Life returns to normal in Kashmir after day long strike on ID

Srinagar, Aug 16 (UNI) Life returned to normal today after remaining crippled yesterday due to general strike on a call given by several separatist organisations on 61st Independence Day (ID).

Shops and business establishments, which were closed on August 14 afternoon in view of the apprehension of militant violence on the eve of ID, reopened this morning.

Business activities in the historic Lal Chowk , the nerve centre of the summer capital, Srinagar, which remained out of bounds for civilians yesterday, after CRPF chief hoisted the tricolour atop Ganthaghar, resumed this morning.

Traffic was also normal on all routes.

Additional security forces which were deployed in the city, particuarly in and around the Bakshi stadium, where Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad unfurled the national flag, were withdrawan last evening.

People, who had gone to picnic spots and other tourist resorts, including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Yusmarg on August 13 to avoid high tension in their respective areas, also returned last night.

A report from Gulmarg said the world famous resort wore a festive look during the past three days because of heavy rush of local tourists.

UNI