Shutdown shows signs of easing

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 18

The spontaneous shutdown in Srinagar - that is now in its fourth month - is nearing an end as gradual signs of the restoration of businesses have emerged in the past week.

Markets as well as public transport, which were the last remaining elements of the shutdown in the summer capital, have marked a return in recent days, partly fuelled by the abrupt arrival of winter. The shutdown in Srinagar had already eased over the last two months which saw the opening of banks and offices and also witnessed a gradual increase in private transport.

The closure of markets during the daytime and the absence of public transport from the roads of Srinagar, however, had marked continuity of the shutdown that had begun on August 5 when Article 370 was abrogated.

The shopping time in Srinagar, which was limited to early morning hours during the past three months, gradually shifted to the daytime during the past week as early snowfall forced residents to abstain from stepping into morning markets.

Gradual shift

The shopping time in Srinagar, which was limited to early morning hours during the past three months, gradually shifted to daytime during the past week as early snowfall forced residents to abstain from stepping into morning markets. On Monday, the gradual reopening of markets during the daytime and the return of public transport made significant gain across the city.