Public transport back on Srinagar roads

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 13

Public transport was back on roads in Srinagar on Wednesday for the first time since August 5 when Article 370 was revoked. Buses plied on short routes in central parts of the city. The abrogation of Article 370 was followed by travel restrictions and a communication blockade with angry residents observing a daytime shutdown.

While the travel restrictions were subsequently lifted and communication blockade eased, the daytime shutdown persisted with locals making purchases early morning. But last week’s snowstorm has led to opening of shops during the day and also brought buses back on roads.

A bus conductor said it had been decided to restore transport services “as all other sections of society have resumed business”. Another said the buses were plying on certain stretches in central city but these would eventually cover more areas if the situation remained calm.

The re-introduction of buses is seen as a major headway in restoration of normalcy in the Valley.

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Another shopkeeper shot dead

Srinagar, November 13

Suspected militants shot dead a 32-year–old shopkeeper in south Kashmir’s Tral sub-district on Wednesday. Mehraj- ud- Din Zargar was fired upon by gunmen in the main market at 3.15 pm.

“He was shot dead by militants outside his shop,” Deputy IGP (South Kashmi) Atul Goyal, said. Sources said Zargar was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him “brought dead”. According to hospital sources, he sustained at least five bullet injuries.

Soon after the attack, the police and other security forces rushed to the site and cordoned the area. No militant group has owned responsibility for the attack.

Zargar is the second shopkeeper to have been killed in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. On August 30, unidentified gunmen had shot Ghulam Mohammad Mir, 65, at Parimpora area, Srinagar. The state police has in the past blamed militants for forcing a shutdown in Kashmir.