Reminiscent of the pre-strike days, the city presented a lively look for several hours in the morning with shops doing brisk business and private transport creating massive jams on almost all the roads. However, around noon, the city wore a deserted look once again and the hustle and bustle ended.
Kashmir is shut since August 5 to protest abrogation of Article 35 A and article 370 of the Indian constitution that conferred special status on Jammu and Kashmir state.
Train service and pre-paid mobile and internet service of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), remained suspended since August 5 as a precautionary measure. Students continue to stay away from their classes and public transport off the roads in the valley.
The historic Jamia masjid, stronghold of chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, presently under house arrest, remained closed for devotees since August 5. Adequate number of security forces remained deployed in the Jamia market and outside the worship place to maintain law and order.
There is no curfew restriction in any part of the valley on Monday. However, restriction under Section 144 CrPC continued and additional Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) remained deployed in strength since August 5 to prevent any law and order problem.
As usual majority shopkeepers again resumed their normal activities this morning in the summer capital today from 0630 hrs. However, traders again closed their establishments and left for their homes at 1000 hrs. Public transport was off the roads in the city. The number of private vehicles and number of three wheelers on the roads were seen plying, particularly in the civil lines and uptown areas. The State Road Transport Corporation (SRT) buses also remained off the roads.
Life remained paralysed elsewhere in the valley, where additional security forces remained deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic off the roads in Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Pattan, Handwara and Sopore in north Kashmir. Reports of strike were also received from Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Pampore and Kulgam in south Kashmir, where additional security forces remained deployed to maintain law and order. There was also no change in the situation in the central Kashmir districts of Badgam and Ganderbal, where business and other activities remained paralysed.