SRINAGAR – Transport service is near normal now though businessmen continued to observe half-day strike in the Kashmir valley against scrapping of Article 370 and 35 A, besides dividing the state into two Union Territories (UTs).
Meanwhile, pre-paid mobile and internet services of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) remained suspended in the valley since August 5, when the special status of the state was withdrawn.
There was also no relief for leaders of different political parties, including three former Chief Ministers—Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti– former minister and legislators who are under detention since August 5.
Public transport, which was off the roads since August 5, has now plying almost normally in all parts of the valley. Cabs, passenger buses and other vehicles besides private cars and two wheelers are now hitting the road, leading to often traffic jam on busy routes. However, hardly any State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) and school buses are seen on the roads.
Majority shops and business establishments in the civil lines, including in the historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital, again reopened this morning despite chilly weather conditions following fresh snowfall. However, after functioning till 1300 hrs, shutters are again closed and security forces remained deployed to maintain law and order.
In other parts of the city, including in the outskirts and uptown, similar situation was witnessed.
Majority shops and business establishments were functioning in Anantnag and Kulgam districts in the morning for more than four to five hours. Large number of cabs and other public transport vehicles were plying. Similar situation was witnessed in Shopian and Pulwama.
Shops and business establishments were functioning partially in central Kashmir district of Budgam in the morning and evening for several hours, where some public transport vehicles were also plying.
A report from Baramulla said that life was near normal in this and other north Kashmir towns despite fresh snowfall which has resulted in cold. Majority shops and business establishments were functioning and transport was also plying on most routes. However, large number of security forces remained deployed to maintain law and order.
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