Srinagar, October 18, : While an uneasy calm, amid a continued shutdown for 75th day in valley prevailed on Friday, no prayer assembly was held in Major mosques of Srinagar for 11th consecutive Friday
Authorities did not allow the Friday congregation anywhere in any major mosque in the capital city Srinagar. Tough security arrangements were put in place in sensitive areas of the city. Grand Mosque of Srinagar, Jamia Masjid remained locked, while no weekly prayers were held in Hazrabal Mosque, for 11th consequent Friday in a row.
While the train service between Baramulla and Banihal completed a suspension of two and a half months, there was a comparatively decline registered in the vehicular traffic in the city; however many private vehicles and auto rickshaws were seen plying on various city routes.
In downtown Srinagar, authorities had put heavy security arrangements in place, with forces keeping a tight vigil on the public movement; however the amount of restrictions was less in comparison to previous nine Fridays.
While landlines and postpaid mobile service is completely operational throughout the valley, prepaid mobile and internet services continued to remain suspended for 75th days at a stretch.
While the class work in various schools, colleges and universities continued to remain suspended, the attendance of the employees in government offices also remained affected on Friday, barring few emergency services.
Shopkeepers in various localities of Srinagar according to CNS opened their shops in the morning and evening hours for a brief period, while the shutters of their shops and were completely down for rest of the day.
The number of street vendors in Polo Ground Sunday market and along the Residency Road, who had gradually, but considerably resumed their business were also seen in less numbers as compared to other days, in view of the traditional uncertainty on Fridays, prevailing for over last more than two and half months. (CNS)
