Kashmir crowded on the fourth full-day-open day since July 9

An aerial view of main historical business hub of Lal Chowk Srinagar on Sunday.

KL News Network

SRINAGAR

An absolutely normal Kashmir on Sunday was hectic, crowded and mobile despite low temperature. It was last of the two-day full-day relaxation that the separatists provided in a week-long “calendar”, a new normality since July. Public transport was operational and in certain cases even schools were open.

In Srinagar, all roads were literally leading to Lal Chowk, the hub of the flea market – the Sunday market. Off late, it is getting more crowds because of economic reasons. Even, in certain cases, established businesses have started operating from the “beds” – the peculiar flea market style, to clear the summer items.

The two day “relaxation” on weekends have helped Kashmir breath better but is not getting the vale normal. This is the fourth full-day work in Kashmir since July 9, 2016.

Unlike retail and transport, the manufacturing sector has not resumed work. Unlike small work stations, the major factories say they cannot work for two days because their operations are labour intensive and vast.

There were massive traffic jams at various places across the city. Traffic police was effectively deployed to help better vehcular movement.

Authorities have not contributed in helping situation ease. On Saturday when the three separatist leaders were scheduled to meet and prepare for their next meeting, a follow up interaction, with Yashwant Sinha team of “concerned citizens”, the government interrupted the meeting. Sinha team, by the way, failed to land in Srinagar because their flight was cancelled for climatic reasons. Raids and arrests continue.

Meanwhile, the roads continue to be open towards Jammu and Ladakh which is contributing to a better movement of vehicular traffic. There was a light snow fall on Zoji La that has initially indicated that the high pass road to the desert may get closed. But the BRO men worked round the clock and have kept it operational. After clearing the pass, Srinagar bound traffic was cleared first and was followed by the Kargil bound traffic in the afternoon, reports said.

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