Kashmir remained shut on Monday for the 80th consecutive day, although markets in Srinagar had opened and were booming with customers on Sunday afternoon following a relaxation in shutdown by the resistance groups.
Markets in Lal Chowk and many other areas opened on Sunday evening and remained in business till late in the night.
Customers had thronged these markets and several areas had witnessed traffic snarls that the police took hours to clear.
Separatists had asked people to start normal activities after 2 p.m. on Sunday till 6 a.m. on Monday.
Since July 9, the separatists, who have been under detention, have called for protests and shutdowns through weekly protest calendars, which were circulated through newspapers and other media.
88 civilians have died in forces’ action on protesters during this period.
All educational institutions, main markets, public transport and other businesses have remained suspended across the Valley during this period.
The authorities have, however, been able to secure the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key route for all essential supplies to the valley and carriage of fruit to outside markets.
It is the peak of apple harvesting season here and unless all the produce reaches the markets outside the valley on time, orchardists and the state’s economy would suffer huge losses.
Meanwhile, Curfew remained imposed in Kishtwar district for second consecutive day on Monday.
Clashes had erupted in the district on Sunday morning after police arrested three persons, including two Imams, for their alleged role in anti-national activities and pro-Pak sloganeering.
Following the clashes, the district administration imposed curfew in the town and adjoining areas.
Locals said a stringent curfew was put in place across the district with barricades placed at various places to stop movement of people.
