Agencies
Srinagar, September 13:
Since August 5, large sections of Srinagar and other cities have been barricaded with barbed wires, streets deserted and shops shuttered
Restrictions on movement have been lifted from entire Jammu and Kashmir and landline phones restored, 39 days after the state was put under a security and communication lockdown on August 5 after constitutional provisions that gave the state special status and its permanent residents special privileges were removed and it was divided into two union territories.
“Restrictions lifted from all areas, traffic movement has increased manifold. Landlines fully functional, mobile phones considerably working in Kupwara and Handwara,” said Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, reports Hindustan Times.
On 39th day of Curfew Kashmir of J&K is now back to normalcy. Jammu and Ladakh are normal since long time. In Kashmir also only some small urban houses are under siege. Hindustan Times informs. https://t.co/HIS9cO0fGn
— Jaipal Datta (@Jaipaldatta) September 13, 2019
However, some curbs were reimposed in Hazratbal area to maintain law and order in view of congregational prayers, said officials according to PTI.
“Fresh restrictions have been imposed in areas around Hazratbal, while the curbs continued in five police station areas of downtown – interior areas of the city,” the officials said.
Since August 5, large sections of Srinagar and other cities have been barricaded with barbed wires, streets deserted and shops shuttered.
With phone lines dead and internet services suspended, local residents reported difficulties in reaching family members and in procuring essential supplies.
39 days after lockdown, restrictions lifted from Jammu and Kashmir. Restrictions on movement have been lifted from entire Jammu and Kashmir and landline phones restored. #JammuAndKashmir#JammuKashmirWithIndiahttps://t.co/OylBWBr2fM
— Nᴀᴠɴᴇᴇᴛ Pᴀɴᴅᴇʏ (@inavneet_pandey) September 13, 2019
The government has been gradually lifting curbs and has also ordered opening of schools but attendance has been thin.
Traffic on the roads is gradually picking up but office attendance is also sparse and shops remain shut, barring the neighborhood grocery shops.
Political leaders, workers and separatists also continue to be in detention.
A clutch of petitions were filed in the Supreme Court, a few challenging the government move, others on the detention of politicians, restrictions on media and communication blackout.
While the top court allowed a law student, CPM’s Sitaram Yechury and Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija to meet their family and friends, the bigger question of the validity of government move is before a Constitution bench and the hearing is yet to begin.