Life started limping back to normal in the Jammu region on Saturday after the authorities eased restrictions in five more districts imposed early this month as a precautionary measure following scraping of the special status to Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
The restrictions under prohibitory orders were eased in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts in the Chenab valley and border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in the Pir Panjal region early in the morning, they said.
The officials said that most of the shops and business establishments in the districts reopened but educational institutions remained closed and are likely to reopen from Monday.
The landline telephone services were also restored, but mobile and internet mobile services continued to remain suspended as a precautionary measure, they said.
No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in these districts, the officials said. The authorities are monitoring the situation while police and paramilitary forces remained deployed in strength in the major towns and district headquarters, they added.
J-K Live: Easing of curb begins, landline services restored
20:33 August 17
Restrictions eased in 5 more districts of Jammu region, life limping back to normal
18:45 August 17
We are prepared for the return of Haj pilgrims on Sunday: Khan
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Srinagar Divisional Commissioner Baseer Khan said that the government is committed to ensure the safe and smooth arrival of all the Hajis on Sunday.
He also added that the situation in Kashmir is gradually inching towards normalcy.
"We are prepared for the return of Haj pilgrims on Sunday. We have a sufficient fleet of buses to facilitate them to get to their destinations," added Khan.
16:47 August 17
Schools to reopen area-wise next week
Srinagar: On Day 13 of lockdown after modification in Article 370, restrictions are gradually being eased while security forces remain on high alert.
According to sources, there was an increase in the movement of vehicles in few district headquarters of the Valley. Some inter-district vehicles were also seen plying in the Dalgate area. Schools will reopen area-wise next week.
Some shops opened on Saturday morning. However, most of the business establishments, including fuel stations, remained shut.
People are still facing difficulties due to the restrictions.
"Although the situation has been eased a bit, still we are under restrictions. Security forces are everywhere. We don't even get the ambulance facility for the patients," a local said.