Barring North, life limps back to normal across Valley

Srinagar: Barring Bandipore and few other areas of North Kashmir, life across this summer capital on Thursday limped back to normal after remaining crippled for three consecutive days due to government curbs coupled with Hurriyat Conference (G) called strike.

City correspondent said that all shops, business establishments, private and government offices, petrol pumps and educational institutions, banks and financial institutions across the valley resumed their work this morning as Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani spearheading the ongoing ‘Quit Kashmir’ campaign had called off strike for two days starting today.

In Srinagar, the capital city, the markets in Lal chowk, Residency road, Gonkhan, Maisuma and other areas wore a festive look as the business activities resumed this morning. All the government, semi-government and private banks that reopened today were over crowded with the customers. Serpentine queues of people could also be witnessed outside the ATM’s.

In many city markets shoppers swarmed in huge numbers to purchase essential commodities.

Old city of Srinagar where violent clashes broke out last evening, witnessed a normal working day today. The market around the historical Jamia Masjid was abuzz with shoppers throughout the day.

The shopping rush also took a toll on the smooth flow of traffic in the city. At many places, particularly Tourist Reception centre (TRC) crossing, Residency road, Regal Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Streets, Jehangir Chowk, Karan Nagar, and Batmaloo unruly scenes were witnessed due to the traffic jams. The cops deployed in large numbers had a tough time while ensuring smooth flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, clashes broke out in Palhalan and Bandipore town this morning against the alleged atrocities of the forces.

Reports said a joint party of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police this morning appeared in Raipora locality of Palhalan apparently to arrest some youth. The forces allegedly barged into residential houses and thrashed inmates triggering protests in the area. The forces, eyewitnesses said opened several shots in air before leaving the area.

Violent clashes also broke out in Bandipore town of North Kashmir.

Reports said amidst complete shutdown, groups of youth this morning took to streets in Gulshan chowk and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. Chanting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the people were protesting against the alleged atrocities committed by forces in the recent days. The protesters pelted rocks and stones on the forces. The ding-dong clashes continued for several hours.

Meanwhile, a police spokesman said that curfew and restrictions were completely lifted across Valley this morning.

“Situation at this hour is normal and under control throughout Kashmir Valley. There are no reports of any un-toward incident reported from any place,” the spokesman said.