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| Sunday becomes 'working day' in Kashmir | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
SRINAGAR, July 25: In what can be seen as adhering to the fresh calendar of Hurriyat (G), Sunday came to observed as a working day with all educational institutions, banks and even some offices functioning like any normal day. As banks and business establishments reopened after days of curfew, restrictions and shutdowns, parts of Kashmir Valley, Srinagar in particular remained abuzz with activity reflecting resumption of normal life on Sunday.
People came out in hordes in every locality of Srinagar city and engaged themselves in heavy buying activity, particularly essential commodities. The provision stores, shops of eatables and shops selling essential items could be seen lined up with customers. Huge rush of customers was also witnessed around banks and ATM enclosures where people waited in queues for hours. Interestingly, despite an official holiday on Sunday, most banks, private-run schools and shops were open in Srinagar.
Responding to the calendar and in a way taking full advantage of the 'break' from hartal spree on Sunday, people came out of their homes to complete backlog works that came to a complete halt during the past few weeks. The reopening came after calls by Hurriyat Conference to resume "normal" life for a day that sent shoppers flooding into the streets apparently to stockpile supplies ahead of a general strike set for Monday and more protests in coming days.
"We do not want to take risk of facing shortages of any kind at home in days to come….there is a lot of uncertainty…… so we deemed it proper to utilize the Sunday in shopping", said Shamima, a resident of Raj Bagh who indulged in heavy buying for the family.
While the markets almost across the valley which remained open offered easy access to shoppers, the government ration depots also remained open today enabling hundreds of families to buy ration and other commodities, something which remained paralyzed during the past few weeks. Traders bedecked up their business establishments in a decorous way that came inviting for the shoppers, particularly the eatables. As people came out in their vehicles after days of break, the Srinagar roads remained choked with traffic jams at many points. There were traffic snarls due to the heavy rush of people and unprecedented number of vehicles on the roads,
"We did not hesitate sending our children to school after a long break….. children also did not mind going to school on Sunday……after all we have to make up the loss of their studies", Said Showkat Habib, a resident of Channapora in Srinagar city.
Apart from Srinagar, normal activities resumed after days in other towns like Sopore, Baramulla, Kupwara, Handwara, Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Tral, Pampora etc. Shops, business establishments, educational institutions and offices remained open in these areas.
Transport from and to the Srinagar Airport also ran normally. With life gradually limping back to normal , there are reports of a surge in tourist arrivals since the last three days. As Sunday witnessed a brisk and bright day in many aspects, relief also came from the fact that there were no reports of any incident or security clampdown from any area .
While people by and large while venturing out from homes in a big way, tried to resurrect life in otherwise uncertain atmosphere, the government is also trying hard to infuse confidence to enable people to resume normal life. Minister for Rural Development, Panchayats, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar today interacted with various groups of people during his extensive tour of the Srinagar city appealed the people to help the Government in restoring the peace and normalcy in the State. He said these factors are paramount in furthering the developmental projects and uplifting the socio-economic condition of the people. "Government is abreast of the problems being faced by the people and in this regard necessary instructions have already been passed to the concerned to redress these within the shortest possible time", he maintained.
Meanwhile, Hizbul Mujahideen announced a ceasefire in plains in Kashmir.
"We have stopped our activities in plains and those areas where protests are going on. We will take on the security forces in the hinterland," said HM chief Syed Salahuddin in a statement to the media.
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