Life returns to normal in Kashmir after 133 days of strike

Srinagar: Life returns to normal after remaining paralysed due to strike called by the separatists in the 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. For the first time siege around historic Jamia Masjid, where no Friday prayers could be offered for the past 19 weeks due to restrictions, has been lifted and shops and business establishments are open in the Jamia market.

Streets were flooded with vehicles, forcing traffic police to issue an advisory to avoid traffic jam. Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), spearheading the agitation since July 9, have announced relaxation in the strike today and tomorrow. The separatists have however, extended the strike till November 24. This will be for the first time after 133 days, the separatists have given relaxation in the strike during the day. However, earlier there was relaxation in the strike in between from 1600 hrs to 0700 hrs next morning. Despite sub zero temperature business and other activities resumed early this morning in the Kashmir valley, including summer capital, Srinagar.

Srinagar came to life this morning as shops and business establishments reopened and traffic was plying on all routes though there was frequent traffic jams on some busy routes. A UNI correspondent, who visited the Civil Lines early today, saw majority shops open in the main business hubs, including Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city, Hari Singh High Street (HSHS), Gonikhan, Residency road, Moulana Azad road, Mahraj Bazar, Batmaloo, Iqbal park, Dalgate, Regal Chowk and Budshah Chowk. (UNI)