Unlock: Markets open, public transport resumes in Kashmir

CURBS LIFTED Officials have permitted reopening of 50% shops in all markets

SRINAGAR: Markets opened and public transport resumed in Kashmir on Monday as restrictions imposed to control the surging Covid-19 cases were revoked in the Valley.

Shops, business establishments and markets opened after weeks of restrictions.buses and mini-buses also resumed services after nearly five months.

After a brief respite from restrictions, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had re-imposed lockdown in Srinagar from July 13 and in other parts of the Valley from July 27 in view of the increase in Covid-19 cases.

A mini-bus driver of Nowpora, Bilal Ahmad Dar, said, “Public transport is one of the worst affected sectors in Kashmir. It had first suffered a setback when restrictions were imposed in the Valley following revocation of J&K’S special status on August 5, 2019 and then in March, 2020 when a nationwide lockdown was imposed to check the spread of the pandemic. We are resuming work after a year.”

When things were normal, the roads in Kashmir used be jampacked with vehicles. However, few people availed public transport services and those who availed it were seen wearing masks.

In the region’s business hub, Lal Chowk, shopkeepers adhered to the directions of opening 50% shops. “Markets with two parallel

Though markets opened today, business did not take off. People have no money to spend. Only those with government jobs can afford to spend money. YASIN KHAN , Kashmir Economic Alliance chairperson

lines of shops opened half the establishments. No rush was observed in the market. Over 90% visitors wore masks,” said Sakib Ahmad, a resident of Lal Chowk.

Businessmen said it was a hard time for everybody. Kashmir Economic Alliance chairperson and Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Association president Yasin Khan said, “Though markets opened today business did not take off. People have no money to spend. Only those with government jobs can afford to spend money. There is no tourism. The only way things will improve is when the government pushes money into the market.”

In accordance with a state executive committee order, dated August 4, the officials have permitted reopening 50% shops in all markets and resumption of public transport operations.

Around 50% passengers are allowed to board minibuses and, maximum four passengers can sit in 10-seater cabs and two passengers in taxicabs and auto-rickshaws.dr

Saleem Khan, nodal officer, Covid, for Government Medical College Srinagar, wrote on Twitter.

“Request to shopkeepers: They shall not allow any customer without mask and shall not sell any commodity to a person without