Normalcy yet to return in Kashmir

Communication blackout in Kashmir enters 18th consecutive day after the Centre modified Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Srinagar: With the communication blackout, enforced since the modification of Article 370, entering the 18th consecutive day on Thursday, normalcy is yet to return in the Kashmir valley.

Though the landline services have been restored in most places, mobile and internet remain suspended, including in Srinagar's commercial hub of Lal Chowk and Press Enclave, with locals desperate to establish contact with their near and dear ones.

The government has also eased the restrictions enabling schools to be opened from the beginning of the week, however, most students stayed away due to the prevailing situation and several schools recorded minimal attendance.

The vehicular traffic had picked up in some areas with the plying of few inter-district cabs and auto-rickshaws, but the public transport stayed off the roads.

Shops and other business establishments remained shut, though there was no strike call by any separatist group or other organisations.

To ease the restrictions, barricades have also been removed from uptown and civil lines areas of the city as well as from most areas in other districts. However, the deployment of security forces continues to avoid any law and order problems.

Kashmir was placed under a total clampdown since August 5 when the Centre modified Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the state into two Union territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

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