Curfew relaxed in Kashmir, daily life resumes

Kashmir residents breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday as life returned to normal after the three-day-curfew was lifted in the state.

The curfew was imposed in most parts of Kashmir to foil any plans by separatist groups to hold protest rallies to observe the first death anniversary of parliament attack convict Mohammed Afzal Guru.

Indian security forces anticipating unrest had imposed curfew in parts of Kashmir and ordered people off the streets.

Earlier today, the business establishments, shops, petrol pumps opened, much to the owners' relief, and residents could be seen visiting the markets to buy essential commodities like medicines, ration and vegetables. Transport services also resumed.

General Secretary of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation Bashir Ahmad condemned the move of the government and said the people in the valley had to face problems due to frequent strikes.

"The government says that it (curfew) is very important for peace. But for this they make common man a victim. They imposed curfew without announcing, nobody was allowed to move. There were ill people, some people had exams, children had tuitions and there were other important issues as well like marriages," said Ahmad.

Since the day the curfew was imposed, streets wore a deserted look as shops, banks and other commercial establishments were closed. With transport services also not plying on all routes in the province, people commuting had to face lot of troubles.

After the curfew was lifted, residents felt relieved and requested the government to think about the sufferings of common man.

"We are very happy that the curfew has been lifted and we request the government that this shall not happen again as we have to suffer due to this," said Muhammad Shafi, a resident.