Separatists call for first daytime relaxation

Azhar Qadri

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 24

An uninterrupted spell of shutdown that has continued for the past 11 weeks is heading for its first major break on Sunday when the separatists have called for a relaxation during afternoon. If successful, this can have a lasting impact on the situation in the Valley.

The relaxation in shutdown, which is scheduled to begin at 2 pm on Sunday, is the first during the daytime in the past two months and will depend on the protesters to allow it to happen.

The last time when the separatists had called for a daytime relaxation in shutdowns was on July 26 — which had drawn protesters out in defiance, forcing a shutdown and closure of roads in the region. In the aftermath of the reaction on July 26, the separatists had retreated from giving daytime relaxation in shutdown, limiting the shopping hours to evenings.

However, as the unrest entered its twelfth week on Saturday, many protesters have been arrested and some are fatigued which has curtailed the intensity and spread of protests. Fewer protests have taken place in the recent days in the region and the movement of traffic – mostly private cars and motorcycles – has increased.

“It is an important day and if business activity and movement will be allowed, it will help in easing the situation,” said Imtiaz Ahmad, a hotel owner in Srinagar. Many expect that markets will reopen during the relaxation hours.