Markets across Kashmir opened today following a 16-hour relaxation announced by the separatists.(AFP)
Markets across Kashmir opened today following a 16-hour relaxation announced by the separatists.
Shops and business, which were shut for the last 79 days since the Hurriyat called for a shutdown, opened today after 2 pm. A heavy rush of customers followed soon after.
Traffic jams were witnessed in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk in Srinagar and in adjoining areas of the city, while other towns also witnessed movement of large number of vehicles.
A police spokesman said the situation across the valley remained normal and no untoward incident was reported from any part of the valley.
"The entire Kashmir Valley is curfew-free today but restrictions are in place in many parts as a precautionary measure," the official said. He said the curfew was lifted following improvement in the situation yesterday.
However, miscreants attempted to create disturbances in Anantnag and Sopore, he said.
At Sopore chowk and KP road in Anantnag, some people pelted stones on shopkeepers when they were opening their shops today, the he said, adding that police and security forces immediately reached the spots and normalised the situation, he said.
Police in the past 24 hours have arrested 39 people wanted in the offences of harassing shopkeepers, creating disruptions in traffic movement by stone pelting and by placing obstructions on roads and lanes, he added.
87 people and two policemen have died and over 10,000, including security forces, have been injured in Kashmir clashes since Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter on July 8.