Normalcy returns for a day in Srinagar

SRINAGAR - Life once again returned to normal for a day as authorities did not impose any restrictions in this Jammu and Kashmir summer capital after separatists withdrew their protests Friday, also a public holiday on the occasion of Jaumat-ul-Vida.

Banks, educational institutions, government offices and post offices were closed here on account of Jaumat-ul-Vida, which is the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“There is no curfew in any area of Srinagar city today. Restrictions have also been lifted from south Kashmir’s Anantnag town. However, restrictions have been imposed in Kunzar area near Tangmarg in Baramulla district and in Kupwara town,” a senior police officer said here.

Shops, public transport and other businesses opened up normally in Srinagar city as people came out in large numbers to buy essential commodities.

A bemused Mehraj-ud-Din, who sells fruit on Residency Road in Srinagar, said: “Each time (hardline separatist leader Syed Ali) Geelani sahib appeals for a day’s normalcy to allow some breather to us in the otherwise unending saga of shutdowns and protests, the authorities here readily oblige by removing restrictions.

“This has been the practice for the last three months now.”

Geelani has announced a fresh resistance programme as part of the breakaway Hurriyat group’s Quit Kashmir campaign.

As per the latest resistance calendar, people have been asked to resume normal activities on Sep 3, 5, 9, 10 and 11 while they have been asked to observe protest shutdowns on Sep 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

The valley’s educational institutions, business activities and the operations of local transporters have been following the resistance programme announced by Geelani’s group. As a consequence, huge losses have been suffered by the traders in the last three months.

At least 65 people have lost their lives because of the ongoing unrest that started here June 11.