Srinagar, Mar 7: Markets reopened, vehicles returned to the roads, and people resumed their daily routines across the Kashmir Valley on Saturday as authorities lifted all remaining restrictions, ending a six-day period of heightened security following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
An official told that the Valley witnessed a complete return to normalcy, with shops and business establishments opening early in the morning. Public and private transport operated uninterrupted on all major routes, while pedestrian movement was observed at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk and other commercial hubs.
“Life is back on track. There was a heavy rush of customers in my shop today after a week,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a cloth merchant in the old city.
Reports from other parts of Kashmir indicated that business activities have resumed fully, with transport running smoothly on all roads.
The administration facilitated the return to routine by restoring 5G internet services and prepaid mobile phone calling facilities across all ten districts on Friday evening. These services had been suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of provocative content, and their restoration has allowed businesses to operate digitally and families to connect without interruption.
Educational activities are also set to resume. Schools and colleges, which remained closed until March 7, will reopen on Monday. All examinations scheduled up to Saturday were postponed, with officials from Kashmir University and the Central University of Kashmir confirming that revised dates will be announced shortly.
The restrictions were initially imposed last week to maintain peace following protests over Khamenei’s death. Sources said demonstrations, particularly in areas with significant Shia populations, led to brief clashes before the situation was brought under control. (Agency)
