Srinagar, March 7 – Life returned to normal in the Kashmir Valley on Saturday after six days, as authorities lifted all restrictions and people resumed their daily routines.
Shops, private transport, other businesses, public transport, banks, post offices, and government offices were operating normally throughout the Valley.
Police and security forces continued to maintain a close watch on the situation as people began buying essential items.
5G internet services and call facilities on prepaid mobile phones were restored on Friday evening throughout the Valley.
This was done to prevent individuals from uploading objectionable content on social media.
Schools, colleges, and universities in the Valley were ordered to remain closed until March 7, and would reopen on Monday.
The Kashmir University and the central university of Kashmir had postponed all exams scheduled until Saturday.
Officials said that the university authorities would announce new dates for these exams soon.
Private transport and pedestrian movement also resumed in the city center, Lal Chowk, in Srinagar.
To enforce restrictions, security forces had erected barricades and used concertina wire to block passage inside the city center during the past five days.
Protests had erupted in the Valley last week following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli air strikes on Tehran.
Protesters clashed with security forces at several locations during these protests. Protests were more intense in Shia Muslim-dominated areas.
Authorities had imposed restrictions to protect civilian life and property in the Valley. Despite maintaining a close watch on the situation, the police and security forces demonstrated exemplary patience and professionalism in handling the situation.
To instill confidence among the people, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah interacted with representatives from various civil society groups, including religious, social, and business communities, on Wednesday.
Omar appealed to the people to express their grief with dignity and discipline, without disrupting the law and order situation. He received a positive response from the civil society members during this interaction.
