Kashmir limps back to normalcy as more people defy separatist-sponsored strike

Defying the separatist-sponsored strike, more people were out on the streets on Wednesday to resume their day-to-day activities in the summer capital along with increased movement of public transport.

Defying the separatist-sponsored strike, more people were out on the streets on Wednesday to resume their day-to-day activities in the summer capital along with increased movement of public transport.

A woman looks out from a window during a protest in Kashmir, Srinagar. (Reuters File Photo)

While shops and business establishments including petrol pumps remained closed in commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas, many such outlets were open in civil lines areas of Sanat Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh and Bishembar Nagar and in the outskirts of the city, a police official said.

He said a large number of roadside vendors set up their stalls on the TRC crossing-Batamaloo axis passing through Lal Chowk, while there was increased movement of private vehicles and auto-rickshaws in the city.

However, shops and business establishments were shut in most of the other district headquarters of the Valley.They open only during the periodic relaxation announced by the separatists.

The ongoing unrest in Kashmir, triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in July, has affected the education as schools, colleges and other educational institutions continued to remain shut in the Valley.

The government has decided to hold board examinations as per the schedule next month, drawing criticism from students and parents who accused it of being insensitive to lack of academic activity due to shutdown.

Meanwhile, the police official said there were no restrictions on the movement of people anywhere in Kashmir.

Security forces have been deployed in strength at various spots prone to protests and street violence, the official said, adding forces have also been deployed in some areas to instil a sense of security among the people so that they can carry out their day-to-day activities without fear.