Life returns to normal in Kashmir

Life returned to normal in the Kashmir Valley today as authorities lifted curfew from four districts and hardline Hurriyat Conference decided to exempt the day from strikes and protests.

"Authorities have today completely lifted curfew restrictions from the whole of the Valley," a police spokesperson said.

Curfew was clamped in four districts of the valley yesterday.

Although violent protests were witnessed in some parts of Baramulla town last evening, the preceding night passed off peacefully, he said.

"Situation at this hour is normal and under control throughout Kashmir Valley. There are no reports of any untoward incident reported from any place," the spokesperson said.

He said three officers were among 11 policemen injured in clashes in Baramulla town yesterday. Six protestors were also injured in police action.

With the lifting of the curfew restrictions, markets in Srinagar city and other major towns of the valley were abuzz with activity.

Government, semi-government and private offices functioned normally while shops and business establishments opened after a gap of two days, official sources said

All modes of transport were operating on all routes in the city and other inter-district routes, the sources said.

However, massive traffic jam were witnessed at many places in the city, leading to chaos on the roads. At some places, police personnel were seen assisting traffic policemen in regulating the movement of the vehicles.

Kashmir Valley has been in the grip of violent protests since June 11 when a 17-year-old boy was killed after getting hit by a tear smoke shell during clashes at Rajouri Kadal in interior city.