Early Times Report
srinagar, Nov 26: Life returned to normal for the second successive weekend as markets and roads witnessed heavy rush of shoppers and vehicles despite chilly weather conditions following 48-long relaxation in strike by separatists from today in Kashmir valley.
This is for the second successive weekend that life returned to normal following relaxation in strike by separatists in Kashmir valley, where about 90 people, mostly youths, were killed and several thousand injured in security force and police action following massive protests after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani and two other militants in an encounter in Anantnag on July 9.
Meanwhile, markets around historic Jamia Masjid, where Friday prayers were offered yesterday for the first time since July 9, witnessed heavy rush of shoppers.
Streets remained flooded with vehicles and some routes witnessed traffic jams in the city, where traffic police personnel were on their toes to maintain smooth traffic movement.
Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), spearheading the agitation since July 9, had announced relaxation for 48 hours from today. The separatists have, however, extended the strike till December 1.
The separates had given a similar relaxation in strike last weekend for the first time after 133 days of unrest in Kashmir valley. Earlier, separatists used to give relaxation in the strike between 1600 hrs to 0700 hrs next morning.
Despite chilly weather conditions in Kashmir valley, including summer capital Srinagar, business and other activities resumed early this morning and currency ban hardly affected enthusiastic shoppers, who could be seen buying warm clothes, besides other essential items.
Srinagar came alive for second successive weekend today as shops and business establishments reopened and traffic was plying on all routes though there were frequent traffic jams on some busy routes.
However, banks remained closed as today is the last Saturday of the month but the ATMs were open though there is hardly any long queue. |
