Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): After the modification of provisions of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, normal life has been affected. Continuous curfews and restrictions have crippled public transport and hence affecting people associated with it for livelihood.
According to reports, people associated with public transport- drivers, conductors, mechanics, and allied services are facing financial crunch from the last one and a half month.
Also, the busiest bus stands in the heart of the city which would be abuzz with the public and private vehicular movements now remain deserted.
On the other hand car repairs and services workshops that used to having constant buzz bore an abandoned look.
One of the mechanics working in a private workshop said that from the past 50 days he is sitting idle at home as he has no work to do and it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain his family.
Besides, one of the drivers claimed that he is facing financial difficulties owing to restrictions in transport across the valley.
Security forces have been deployed in strength in vulnerable areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
The officials said the curbs were a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in view of apprehensions that vested interests might exploit the large Friday prayer gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.
People in general and people associated with transport directly or indirectly in particular are facing financial woes owing to the abrogation of Article 370 in the valley.
Restrictions were first imposed across Kashmir on August 5 when the Centre announced its decision to modify Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcate the state into two Union territories. The restrictions were lifted in phases from many parts of the valley.
Internet services have remained suspended across all platforms, they said. While landlines across the valley were functional, voice calls on mobile devices were working only in Kupwara and Handwara police districts of north Kashmir, they added.
The efforts of the state government to open schools have not borne fruit as parents continued to keep children at home due to apprehensions about their safety.
Most of the top-level and second rung mainstream politicians, including three former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, continued to be in detention or under house arrest.
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