Riyaz Ul Khaliq
SRINAGAR
Normal life resumed in Kashmir after four days of continuous shutdown against civilian killings in North Kashmir since last Tuesday.
Reports reaching from district headquarters said that normal life resumed as people opened shops and public transport started plying on main roads.
However, strict restrictions are in place in Kupwara areas including Handwara, Langate, Drugmulla, Nutnussa, and Trehgam, sources said. “Restrictions have been put in place,” a scribe from Kupwara said. “It is raining here.”
Kashmir plains and hilly areas received rains since Sunday morning with weatherman saying Western disturbances have hit the region,
Five persons were shot dead on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and scores others injured during protests following an alleged molestation bid by an army man in main Handwara chowk on last Tuesday afternoon. Kashmir witnessed complete shutdown in last four days when forces shot dead two youth and an elderly on Tuesday, one youth on Thursday and another youth on Friday evening.
Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti visited Kupwara on Saturday afternoon and held several meetings with locals and district administration. She regretted the killings and asked forces to exercise maximum restraint. The NoK of three of the five deceased were assured speedy justice while disbursement of relief has already started.
The meetings were held in TRC Kupwara, however, media personnel complained that they were not allowed to cover the events. “Only one New Delhi based channel was allowed,” a scribe working with a wire news agency told Kashmir Life over phone. “When Ms Mufti left, the administration pleaded to come in (TRC Hall) but what was the reason to go inside when Cm had already left.”
Public transport was off the roads while government offices wore deserted looks; business and educational establishments were closed. Authorities put in place strict curfew in Handwara and adjoining areas while strict restrictions were enforced in Old Srinagar. More so, Ms Mufti led PDP-BJP administration snapped mobile internet services across Kashmir.
However, life limped back to normalcy on Sunday as restrictions were removed from Srinagar’s Down Town areas and people thronged market. Major shops are yet closed in Lal Chowk but transport is plying normally.
Reports from Bandipora said that market opened early today and it was normal in the area. Similar reports were received from Pulwama, Baramulla, Sopore and Islamabad.
“It is normal in Pulwama with heavy rush in markets,” a reporter from Pulwama said.
Despite repeated attempts, DC and ADC Kupwara didn’t respond to Kashmir Life calls.
