SRINAGAR: Normal life remained affected in Kashmir Valley on Thursday due to the separatist-backed strike.
While most of the shops, business establishments and fuel stations across Kashmir were shut, some were open at a few areas in Civil Lines and outskirts of Srinagar, officials said.
Most of the public transport continued to remain off the roads but autorickshaws and cabs were seen plying at some places in the Valley, including at a few areas of the city here, they said.
However, the movement of transport, including private cars, was comparatively less, apparently because there was no relaxation in the strike.
Clashes between security forces and demonstrators continued till late in the evening in many areas in the down town and Old City during which dozens of people were wounded. However, to prevent any fresh clashes, security forces had closed majority roads in the down town and the Old City.
According to a Safa Kadal resident, since early morning security forces were not allowing anyone to move out of their houses. Even we were not allowed to purchase milk and bread for morning tea, he alleged.
Similar situation was witnessed at Nallahmar and Nowhatta besides some other areas in the Old City
However, situation eased as the day progressed and security forces removed barbed wire and other road blocks at several places and some private vehicles could also be seen plying.
But at Safa Kadal, Daresh Kadal, Seki Dafar Bulbul Lankar, Nawa Kadal , Wantapora and Hawal one side of the road remained closed with barbed wire though people were being allowed to move.
Historic Jamia Masjid remained under siege as all main gates remained closed and nobody was being allowed to enter there by the security forces and state police deployed in the main Jamia market and outside. However, the Nowhatta main road was open though the number of pedestrian and private vehicle was less.
There was no major change in the situation in the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city, Budshah Chowk, Hari Singh High Street (HSHS), Residency and Moulana Azad road where shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads. However, private vehicles, some three wheelers and vendors could be seen in these areas.
Business and other activities remained paralysed in the uptown though some shopkeepers were doing normal business early this morning before the end of separatist deadline.
Educational institutions continued to wear a deserted look as students stayed away in response to separatist strike call.
A complete shutdown has been observed in this and other north Kashmir towns and other tehsil headquarters, a report from Baramulla said.
Security forces and state police personnel remained deployed in the town, where shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads. However, private vehicles could be seen plying on some routes. Security forces have been deployed on bridges over river Jehlum, connecting old town with civil lines in Baramulla.
Similar reports were received from Kupwara, Handwara, Bandipora, Ajas, Pattan and Palhalan where life remained paralysed.
Business and other activities remained crippled in this and other south Kashmir towns, including Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Awantipora, Pampore and Pahalgam, a report from Shopian said adding transport was off the roads though some private vehicles could be seen plying.
Reports of complete strike were also received from central Kashmir districts of Ganderbal and Badgam, including Kangan, Charar-e-Sharief, Chadoora and Chanapora.
The separatists, who are spearheading the ongoing agitation in Kashmir, have been issuing weekly protest calendars since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.
They announce periodic relaxation in the strike on some days of the week for people to buy essentials items. However, there is no relaxation this evening.
The separatists have extended the strike till November 10.
The unrest, which is continuing for the past four months, has badly affected business, tourism and education in Kashmir.
Schools, colleges and other educational institutions continue to remain shut, but the government has notified holding of board examinations as per schedule.
Officials said there are no curbs on the movement of people anywhere in Kashmir, but restrictions on assembly of people under Section 144 CrPC were in place throughout the Valley.
They said security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable spots and along the main roads as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order as well as to instil a sense of security among the people to carry out their day to day activities without fear.
As many as 85 people, including two security personnel, have been killed, while several thousand have been injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley. Around 5,000 security forces personnel have also been injured in the clashes.
Over 300 persons have been booked under Public Safety Act (PSA).
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