Life limping back to normal in Kashmir Valley

The separatists had called for a march in three districts - Anantnag, Baramulla and Srinagar - of the Valley today

Unrest-hit Kashmir Valley is gradually limping back to normalcy with significant increase in the number of people coming out in the summer capital to resume their day-to-day activities.

There has been an increased movement of private and public transport, except buses, in uptown Srinagar, including in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, after the authorities lifted curfew from all parts of the city last week, officials said.

Even as the current agitation is showing signs of fatigue, there are no signs of end to the separatist-sponsored strike which has been extended till October 13.

The separatists have called for a march to the local UN office in Srinagar on Friday.

The separatists had called for a march in the three districts - Anantnag, Baramulla and Srinagar - of the Valley on Thursday.

The authorities have not put restrictions on the movement of people anywhere in Kashmir on Thursday, but security forces have been deployed to maintain law and order.

There are no restrictions on the movement of people anywhere in the Valley, the officials said, adding the situation is improving with each passing day.

For the past few days, many street vendors and hand cart vendors have set up their stalls along the TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis in the summer capital here.

The officials said some shopkeepers also keep open their shops in the civil lines areas of Srinagar and at a few areas in the outskirts of the city.

Meanwhile, in some parts of the Valley, including in downtown city and district headquarters and towns, life remained affected for the 90th straight day due to the shutdown call of the separatists.

Most of the shops and business establishments in these areas were shut.

The government educational institutions at most places were open and teachers were attending their duties, the officials said.

The attendance in other government offices and banks has also considerably improved, they said.