Calm weekend in J&K as markets and schools open

Life returned to normal in the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, on Sunday after three days of strike and curfew. However, a fresh protest schedule by separatists has called for another shutdown on Wednesday (March 20) and urged civil society to protest on behalf of Kashmiris for return of Afzal Guru's body.

Life returned to normal in the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, on Sunday after three days of strike and curfew. However, a fresh protest schedule by separatists has called for another shutdown on Wednesday (March 20) and urged civil society to protest on behalf of Kashmiris for return of Afzal Guru's body.

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While restrictions from rest of the Valley were revoked on Saturday, people came out in droves in Srinagar on Sunday after authorities announced lifting of the curfew from all its areas.

Markets were bustling with activity and a few schools were also open to make up for the lost class work due to the unrest.

Kashmir has been on the edge since February 09 execution of and burial of Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru, in Tihar Jail.

The latest standoff between separatists and the government was triggered on Wednesday (March 13) after the death of a local youth, believed to be affiliated with ruling National Conference, in CRPF firing.

Altaf Ahmad Wani was killed by troops at Zonimar in Srinagar, hours after five CRPF personnel were killed and six others were injured in a fidayeen attack at Bemina.

The troops, returning from a visit of their injured colleagues in militant attack, were enraged after some youth threw stones on their vehicle near Soura hospital.

While separatists urged for protests, authorities prevented the same by forcing people indoors.

However the atmosphere on Sunday was relaxed and there were no reports of any major stone throwing incidents.

The famous 'Sunday Market' in the heart of the city, including nerve centre Lal Chowk, attracted a large number of people.

Many departmental stores witnessed good rush as people swarmed to purchase vegetables, milk, bread and other essentials.