Normalcy returns to Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR: Life returned to normal in Kashmir Valley today after three days of strikes and restrictions imposed by authorities that began on Friday as separatist groups had proposed a "solidarity march" on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state.

Shops, business establishments, petrol pumps, offices and educational institutions opened in Srinagar - the summer capital of the state - and other districts of the Valley, officials said.

They said government offices and banks also resumed normal activities after the days of strikes and restrictions that had affected attendance.

Public transport also plied normally across the Valley today, they said.

The authorities had imposed restrictions on the movement of people in parts of the city here to foil the separatists' march to Jamia Masjid for paying tributes to thousands of Muslims killed on November 6, 1947 in Jammu region.

Restrictions were imposed on Saturday as a security measure to foil the separatists' plan to hold a "million men march" parallel to the Prime Minister's rally.

Restrictions were also imposed yesterday as a precautionary measure following the killing of a youth in security forces' action at Zainakote locality of the city during protests on Sunday.

Separatist groups had called for a strike to protest the death.