Life returns to a day’s normalcy in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR - Life bounced back to normal in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley Tuesday as the separatists called for resuming routine activities and the authorities lifted curfew restrictions.

Hundreds of private and public transport vehicles plied on the roads in Srinagar city as shops, educational institutions, banks, post offices, government offices and other businesses opened after three days of curfews and separatist-sponsored shutdowns.

Reports from all other towns said normal activities were resumed with shoppers, commuters and students rushing to their destinations.

“It is a great feeling to meet one’s teachers and friends after so many days. But the uncertainty about tomorrow (Wednesday) keeps haunting me,” said Imran, a Class 9 student in a public school here.

“Curfew and restrictions have been lifted from all places in the Valley”, said a senior police officer here.

The hardline Hurriyat group headed by Syed Ali Geelani asked people to resume normal activities of life for a day Tuesday and buy essential items.

Geelani’s group has been issuing resistance calendars for the last two months now as part of the group’s ‘Quit Kashmir’ campaign.

The Valley has virtually remained shut for over two months because of curfews and separatist shutdowns. As many as 63 people have lost their lives in the ongoing unrest here that started June 11.

“The worst sufferers are the pavement sellers, fruit vendors, labourers and transport operators who have to earn their livelihood on a daily basis. Education of children has also taken a heavy beating because of the curfews and shutdowns,” said a newspaper editor here.

“Despite all these problems, I do not see an immediate end to the ongoing uncertainty here,” he added.