Life limps back to normal in Kashmir after 11 days

Srinagar, Sep 2 (UNI) Life is limping back to normal in the Kashmir valley after 11 days, following lifting of curfew by the authorities and Coordination Committee (CC) appeal to resume normal working from today till Thursday when a new programme would be announced for Friday.

Shops and other business establishments reopened in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley this morning.

Traffic on all routes was normal and work in government offices, banks also resumed.

However, majority educational institutions remained closed as parents, apprehending trouble, did not send their children to schools. But in some schools, students had to return to their home after teaching staff failed to turn up.

The management of some private schools said there was no prior official announcement about lifting of curfew as majority schools have morning time and it was not possible to resume normal working today. We will reopen schools tomorrow, they said.

The CC, spearheading the agitation in the Kashmir valley, has appealed to people to resume normal functioning from Today to Thursday. However, it said strike will continue after 1600 hrs during these days but transport will ply till 1700 hrs.

Programme for Friday will be announced separately, the CC, an alliance of both the factions of Hurriyat Conference (HC) and other religious, trade, fruit growers, separatists and lawyers, said.

The CC, opposing the Amarnath land pact, is demanding among other things opening of Jehlum valley and other roads with Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) for trade, release of all detenues, withdrawal of troops and special powers to security forces in the valley.

UNI BAS PD DS130