Jibran Nazir
KL News Network
Srinagar
After remaining shut for 133 days markets in Kashmir are once again buzzing with activity, giving a sense of normalcy.
The decision to open markets and resume routine came after unified Hurriyat announced two days of relaxation in its weekly ‘protest calendar’.
“I am delighted to see public transport on roads after more than four months. During deal days there was hardly any public transport. It seems like life is back,” said Anjum, a private employee, who was in Lal Chowk exclusively for shopping.
For the first time in last four months massive movement in traffic was witnessed on roads across Kashmir region.
All shops and business establishments also remained open since early morning on Saturday.
A number of shopkeepers who haven’t opened their shops even during the relaxation period, because of their vulnerable locations, have expressed delight as they resumed their business.
“There used to be no customers at my shop even during relaxation hours because of its location. This place would witness regular clashes during deal,” says Abdul Hameed, who runs a shop at Nowhatta Bazar in Srinagar.
Public transport was also seen plying on roads unhindered for the first time after July 09.
“Transporters are among the worst affected. We could not take out our vehicles fearing getting attacked,” says Nazeer Ahmad, a mini-bus driver.
Taking advantage of the full days ‘relaxation’ most of the schools resumed their class work on Saturday. However, thin attendance of students was observed in the schools.
“Due to cold winter season, not many students showed up. But reopening of schools is still a huge thing. Joint resistance leadership should have considered reopening of schools much earlier,” says a teacher at Government Higher Secondary Schools, Rajbagh while pleading anonymity.
Markets across Kashmir valley witnessed huge rush of people who have venture out to shop.
“The unrest had brought entire business activity to a halt. But, today people are coming out in large numbers to purchase things,” says Fawad Ahmad, while simultaneously addressing customer at his provisional store near Polo View market, Srinagar.
