Barring two attempts by groups of people to block Jammu-Srinagar-Uri National Highway, the law and order situation in Kashmir remained peaceful with main markets in the Valley abuzz with activity after hardline Hurriyat Conference exempted the day from strike.
Life returned to normal in Srinagar and other major parts of Kashmir Valley this morning as authorities lifted curfew in parts of Baramulla and Bandipora districts and separatists exempted the day from the purview of their strike calendar.
Police fired a few teargas shells and used batons to disperse protestors who tried to block Srinagar-Jammu National highway at Bijbehara town, 45km from here, in south Kashmir today, official sources said.
They said the people were agitated over the detention of some local youth arrested on the charges of stone-pelting a few days back.
A police spokesperson said security forces exercised utmost restraint while dealing with the stone-pelting protestors.
None was hurt in the security forces action, he said adding the traffic on the highway was briefly affected.
The spokesperson said a group of protestors also attempted to disrupt peace at Sheeri, 65 kms from here, on Srinagar-Uri National highway this morning by pelting stones on security forces.
Residents of Sheeri, mostly women, protested against the arrest of the local youth and blocked the highway to press for their release.
The spokesman said barring the two incidents, the situation in the Valley including Srinagar remained peaceful.
He said the curfew was lifted this morning at Sopore town and Palhalan and Delina areas of Baramulla district and Bandipora district town.
However, he said security forces have been directed to enforce prohibitory orders which bans assembly of four or more persons in these areas as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, shops and business establishments and private offices were open and all modes of transport plied in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley today.
Office-goers and students had a tough time this morning negotiating massive traffic jams in the city and on main roads connecting Srinagar with district headquarters.
Hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, which is spearheading the ongoing agitation in the Valley, has exempted the day from the purview of its strike calendar. Hurriyat has also exempted November 4 and 5 from protests and strikes.
Kashmir Valley has been in the grip of protests, strikes and curfew since June when a 17-year-old boy was killed by a tear smoke shell allegedly fired by police at Rajouri Kadal area of the city.
