Normal life remains affected in Kashmir

Srinagar: Normal life remained affected in Kashmir for the 22nd consecutive day on Monday as markets and schools were shut, but the movement of private vehicles in the city improved, officials said.

Restrictions were lifted in most areas of the valley, but the deployment of security forces continued to maintain law and order, they said.

The communication blockade in Kashmir was eased to some extent as landline telephone services were restored in most places across the valley in view of the improving situation, the officials added.

However, the services were still cut in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and Press Enclave.

Mobile services and internet, including BSNL’s broadband and private leased-line internet, remained suspended since August 5 when the Centre abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and reorganised the state into two Union territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Meanwhile, officials said the situation remained peaceful on Sunday and no incidents were reported from anywhere in the valley.

Markets across Kashmir remained shut for the 22nd consecutive day as shops and other businesses were closed, while public transport was also off the roads, the officials said.

They said the movement of private cars in the city and elsewhere in the valley increased.

Private educational institutions continued to remain closed while government schools witnessed minimal attendance of students, they added.

Outreach

The BJP will conduct a mass outreach movement from September 1 to explain the government’s decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution related to Jammu and Kashmir.

The monthlong movement will endeavour to highlight the developmental work with the people. Sources say abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution will be projected as a major achievement of the BJP-led NDA government.

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said: “After abrogation of the contentious Article, now 85 government schemes can be implemented in J&K.”

The mass connection movement will be done in two stages. In the first stage, 35 metros have been earmarked where BJP Chief Ministers and the central leadership will address people on the benefits of abrogation of Article 370.

In stage two, the mass connect will be taken to 370 tier-two and tier-three towns. Of of these, seven places are in Jammu and Kashmir. It will also be taken to the district level.

Union ministers Pradhan, Gajendra Shekhawat, senior BJP leader Murlidhar Rao and BJP’s Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal will be among those steering the movement.