Srinagar 19 Sep :The two hour long self-imposed ‘deal’ in Srinagar and also the Lal Chowk, brings back the city alive and when the clock ticks 9, halt is back as shutters are down and markets closed within minutes.
The city center markets of the valley continues to remain busy amid the ongoing uncertainty on the 46th consecutive day in the aftermath of abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories (UT’s). The Kashmir valley continues to be on the edge after the announcement on the revocation of special status on the erstwhile state of J&K.
Javaid Ahmad a roadside vendor told the wires service, “The morning time is the only time available to me for earning some bucks as the markets remain abuzz during this particular time. When the clock hits 9 am, the halt returns within no time.”
Abdur Rashid, a shopper, who lives at Habba Kadal area of Srinagar, said that he wakes up early morning with an only aim of reaching the main market at 7 am to stock the essentials. “I buy vegetables and other items for myself and my other relatives as well,” he said.
The main vegetable markets at HabbaKadal, KaniKadal, Chattabal, FatehKadal, Chotabazar, and other adjoining areas come alive with honks and loud noises of vendors, who sell vegetables of all types.
“I want to sell my stuff early to reach home back in time. I don’t want to risk my life by remaining at the market after 9 am too,” Gulzar Ahmed, a resident of Budgam, who sells vegetables at the busy market of Chotta bazar area of Kani Kadal told.
These markets close at 9 am with a loud sound of a fire-cracker which is a message to the people and vendors to close the market. “This has been happening at these markets since past many weeks,” said an eye-witness.
