Normal activities resumed in Kashmir Valley on Thursday as hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani exempted two days from its strike-cum-protest calendar.
The main markets in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley wore a festive look as private offices, shops and business establishments reopened on Thursday morning.
All modes of transport were also plying on all routes. However, massive traffic jams continued to trouble the people especially office-goers and students, most of whom were seen leaving vehicles and walking down to reach their destinations.
A police spokesman said law and order situation in the Valley including Srinagar remained peaceful. "There were no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere so far," he said.
He said since the situation remained by and large peaceful over the past couple of days, there was no curfew or restrictions anywhere. However, official sources said security forces have been deployed in strength in sensitive areas as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and foil any attempt to disturb peace.
Geelani-led Hurriyat, which is spearheading the ongoing agitation in the Valley, has exempted the day from the purview of its strike calendar. It also exempted November 5 from the purview of its strike calendar following a request from the Sikh community to enable them to celebrate Diwali.
Kashmir Valley has been in the grip of protests, strikes and curfew since June when a 17-year-old boy was killed by a tear smoke shell allegedly fired by police at Rajouri Kadal area of the city.