Kashmir continues to remain on the edge as a complete shutdown was observed on Tuesday while public transport remained off roads and all prominent markets were shut.
According to reports, there was little improvement in the ground situation in Kashmir valley on Tuesday. However, normal life remained paralysed for the 30th day on Tuesday.
Reports said a complete shutdown was observed across the Valley and public transport remained off roads even as authorities have significantly eased up restrictions. The gag on communication networks, however, continues to remain in place.
Officials said there are no curbs on the movement of people and traffic movement but restrictions under Section 144 CrPC, prohibiting assembly of four or more people will continue to prevent any law and order problem.
Barring few incidents of stone pelting during which some vehicles were damaged, situation remained by and large peaceful in the valley.
Life remains crippled since August 5 in the summer capital, Srinagar, as shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads though there was no strike call from any organisation. However, in the morning a number of shops and roadside vendors, mostly selling vegetables, fruits and other essentials, were seen doing good business from 0600 hrs till 0900 hrs in most parts of the city, particularly in the uptown, civil lines and outskirts.
Later, all markets again wore a deserted look with only security forces, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding lathis in their hands keeping a close vigil.
The number of vehicles, which has witnessed increase last week, has also decreased because of some stone pelting incidents in which several vehicles were damaged in the uptown. Security forces were seen deployed in strength in the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city to prevent any demonstration.
Large number of security forces remained deployed in the down town and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK), where road blocks and other curbs have been lifted. However, Business and other activities remained paralysed and traffic was off the roads.
All gates of historic Jamia Masjid, the stronghold of moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, remained closed.
Security forces could be seen patrolling in the area and Jamia market to prevent assembly of people in the worship place, where no prayers could be offered after August 5 due to restrictions. Mirwaiz and chairman of hardline HC Syed Ali Shah Geelani remained under house arrest. All banks and government offices on main road in the downtown Srinagar remained closed.
Situation in the uptown was no different as shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads. However, some private vehicles, including two wheelers, were seen plying.
Business and other activities remained crippled for the 29th day in other district and tehsil headquarters, including Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian in south Kashmir and Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Pattan, Sopore, Handwara and Ajas in north.