Life returns to normal in Kashmir after restrictions, strike

Srinagar, Oct 10: Life returned to normal on Tuesday in the Kashmir valley after remaining paralysed for a day due to restrictions and strike, called by separatists against the braid chopping incidents. Restrictions imposed on Monday morning as a precautionary measure under Section 144 CrPC in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of seven police stations in the Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) and downtown and old city and civil lines have been lifted. Meanwhile, the main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, which were closed on Monday, are open for devotees. Security force and police personnel, deployed to prevent any assembly in the Masjid, have also been withdrawn. Restrictions were imposed following strike called by both the factions of the HC and JKLF. Over four dozen plait chopping incidents were reported in the past one month in the Valley. The separatists have also called 'Polo Ground challo' on October 14 against braid chopping incidents and alleged harassment by National Investigation Agency (NIA). All main roads besides bylanes, which were closed with barbed wire to prevent any movement, were open with traffic plying normally. Traffic was also plying normally on Nallahmar road. Business and other activities also resumed in other parts of the summer capital, Srinagar. Work in government offices and banks was also normal. Educational institutions also recorded full attendance as majority schools started annual examinations, which could not commence on Monday. Life also returned to normal in this and other north Kashmir towns and tehsil headquarters, a report from Baramulla said. Shops and business establishments also reopened and government offices, banks and educational institutions were functioning normally. Reports of normalcy were also received from other parts of the valley. UNI