Semblance of normalcy in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 17: Normal life remained affected in Kashmir today but there were more signs of fatigue over the prolonged shutdown in the Valley as more vehicles plied on roads and shops in interior areas opened in defiance of the separatist call for strike.

While shops and business establishments including petrol pumps remained closed in commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas, many such outlets were open in civil line areas of Sanat Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh and Bishembar Nagar, a police official said.

Large number of roadside vendors set up their stalls on the TRC crossing-Batamaloo axis passing through Lal Chowk while good number of private vehicles were plying on the roads, leading to traffic jams at some places including Rambagh, Gogjibagh and Jawahar Nagar, the official said.

The shutdown, however, has affected the education as schools, colleges and other educational institutions continued to remain shut in the Valley.

The government has decided to hold board examinations as per schedule next month, drawing criticism from students and parents who accused it of being insensitive to lack of academic activity due to shutdown.

The ongoing unrest in Kashmir, triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in July, yesterday completed 100 days.

Kashmir continued to be curfew-free but security forces were deployed in strength at various spots prone to protests and street violence, the official said.

"Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order as also to instill a sense of security among the people so that they can carry out their day-to-day activities without fear," he added.

PTI