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Restrictions lifted in Srinagar, shutdown in South Kashmir

FARZANA SYED. Dated: 6/19/2017 2:25:31 PM

SRINAGAR, June 18: Normal life resumed in several parts of Kashmir valley, including the summer capital of Srinagar, on Sunday after shutdown and protests of past two days. Routine life returned to Srinagar on Sunday after a complete shutdown was observed on Saturday. The strike and restrictions had affected routine activities across the valley in the past two days.
While restrictions were lifted in old Srinagar parts early on Sunday, curfew like restrictions continued in some parts of the old city which included Safakadal and adjoining areas, till late in the day. Massive deployment of security personnel was seen in several parts of the city on Sunday.
Markets, shops and all other business establishments were reopened across most parts of the city.
Public transport was back on roads and markets across the city were reopened after a day long strike was observed across Kashmir on Saturday in the aftermath of killing of three civilians by security forces in Srinagar and South Kashmir.
While the schools and government offices remained closed due to Sunday, city centre Lal Chowk witnessed heavy rush. Sunday street market remained abuzz with shoppers and street vendors. The stretch along TRC to Jehangir Chowk witnessed massive traffic and pedestrian movement.
All the restrictions and security deployment in most old city areas was lifted by the authorities. However, normal movement was restricted in some old city areas.
In view of shutdown and protests called by separatist leadership, the authorities had imposed curfew like restrictions in several areas of old Srinagar on Saturday to thwart any protests or clashes in these areas.
Restrictions continued in some parts of old city on Sunday also.
Normal life was restored across northern parts of Kashmir also.
Meanwhile, strike and shutdown continued in several parts of South Kashmir on Sunday for the second consecutive day. In several parts of South Kashmir including Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam routine life remained largely affected due to continued shutdown.
The business establishments remained shut while public transport was off the roads. The resistance leadership had called for Kashmir shutdown on Saturday after three youth were killed by security forces in different incidents.
Two civilians were killed in Arwani village of Anantnag after security forces opened fire on civilians during an encounter in the area. 24 hours before the incident a youth was killed in firing by security forces in Rangreth area of Srinagar.
Following the killings massive protests had erupted in several areas across Kashmir.
While protests were witnessed across Kashmir on Friday, a complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir valley on Saturday to protest against the killings.