Shops and business establishments remained open for the third consecutive day on Friday though the administration had announced only two day relaxation in lock down in Srinagar to allow people to purchase essentials for Eid-ul-Adha, being celebrated on August 1.
Public transport remained off the roads and all shrines and mosques remained closed. However, private vehicles were seen plying in large numbers on the roads, leading to frequent traffic jams at several places.
The relaxation period ended at 1800 hrs last evening and there was no fresh order for lock down or relaxation being extend by the District Magistrate (DM), Srinagar.
The DMs of central Kashmir district of Badgam and Baramulla have stressed on strict compliance of new guidelines prescribed under new Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) issued by the government.
The District Magistrate (DM), Srinagar on Tuesday said in view of the Eid-ul-Azha festival only essential services shops are allowed to open from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs on Wednesday and Thursday. The shopkeepers and customers had been directed to strictly adhere to COVID-19 preventive guidelines issued by the administration, including wearing masks, maintaining safe distance and avoiding crowded places. The administrators had also warned of maximum penalties in the form sealing of shops and other establishments and imposing fine against violators.
Majority shops and business establishments in the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital, Ganga Ghar, Hari Singh High Street (HSHS), Goni Khan, Mahraj Bazar, Budshah Chowk, Batmaloo, Neelam chowk and other places were open. However, very less number of customers could be seen as people had the impression that restrictions have again been imposed from last evening.