Curbs lifted from most of Kashmir, says official

Srinagar, Aug. 24: Authorities lifted restrictions from most parts of Kashmir on Saturday, a day after they had imposed strict curbs on movement of people in the Valley in view of the Friday prayers and the proposed march of separatists to the local United Nations office.

Day-time restrictions have been lifted from 69 police station areas in the Valley, J&K Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal told reporters this evening.

Officials said traffic movement increased on Saturday and attendance in offices also improved. However, public transport remained off roads and markets in the Valley were shut for the 20th day. Vendors have put up stalls in Batamaloo and Lal Chowk areas of Srinagar.

Despite the curbs, Mr Kansal said, the total dispatch of fruits this year has been 1.20 lakh metric tonnes against 89,000 metric tonnes during the corresponding period last year.

Divisional and district administrations are taking necessary steps to ensure that the harvesting, transport and export of fruits continue smoothly and unhindered.

Mr Kansal, also the administration's spokesperson, said about 1,500 primary schools and 1,000 middle schools have reopened since August 5 when the Centre withdrew the special status of J&K. But the attendance of students has remained thin.

He said security forces are maintaining a close watch and local disturbances were being handled. Incidents of protests and stone pelting have declined in the past one week. “Three incidents were reported on August 21 and two on August 22,” he said.