Restrictions eased; market still shut, mobile services suspended

30 more prisoners shifted to Agra; Students of JNVS asked to resume class work; AFCAT exam postponed: IAF

23/08/2019

SRINAGAR, Aug 22: Restrictions were eased in most areas of Kashmir with barricades being lifted and the movement of people and traffic increasing gradually, but markets remained shut and mobile and internet services suspended for the 18th day on Thursday.
Officials said the situation was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday.
In view of the improving situation, the movement of people and traffic was slowly increasing in the city and other district headquarters of the Valley, they said.
Public transport stayed off the roads, but a few inter-district cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in some areas.
The attendance of teachers in schools up to middle class-level and employees in government offices was also improving. However, most students stayed away due to the prevailing situation, they added.
The government ordered the reopening of primary schools across the Valley from Monday and middle schools from Wednesday.
The officials said restrictions have been eased in several areas of Kashmir, including in most parts of Srinagar.
Barricades have been removed from uptown and civil lines areas of the city as well as from most areas in other districts. However, the deployment of security forces continues to avoid any law and order problems, they said.
The officials said markets were shut in most places in the Valley, as they have been since August 5 when the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two Union territories Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Shops and other business establishments remain shut though there is no strike call by any separatist group or other organisation.
Mobile services and internet remain suspended, the officials said, adding that landline telephone services have been restored at most places. However, they continue to be suspended in several areas, including in Srinagar's commercial hub of Lal Chowk and Press Enclave.
Thirty more prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir have been shifted to the Agra jail on Thursday.
These prisoners were brought by a special aircraft to the Kheria airport in Agra from where they were taken to the jail amidst tight security.
Earlier, on August 9, 30 prisoners form Kashmir had been brought to Agra jail where they are being kept in high security barracks.
Twenty four prisoners were also shifted to Lucknow jail and 20 inmates to Bareilly jail, earlier this month.
Prisoners are shifted to different locations as Jammu and Kashmir is on high alert after government's decision to change its special status.
According to the Principal, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Shahkoot (JNVS) Baramulla, all the students are informed that the class work in the institution has been resumed.
The parents have also been asked to send their wards to the school so that their educational pursuits are not affected.
Indian Air Force (IAF) has postponed AFCAT 02/2019 examination which was scheduled to be held on August 24 at Srinagar centre. The fresh date for the examination would be notified later.
However, the examination scheduled to be held at centres established at Leh and Jammu would be conducted as per the fixed schedule.
In a statement issued by IAF, it said that due to prevailing situation in Jammu & Kashmir, the candidates are not able to download their Hall Tickets for the examination and the decision has been taken to postpone the examination for the convenience of candidates who have been allotted Srinagar centre.
District administration Ramban today established mobile telephone booths at various prominent places for the convenience of the people.
The booths were opened at DC Office Ramban, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Office, District Hospital (DH) Ramban and District Court Complex Ramban.
Deputy Commissioner (DC), Nazim Zai Khan has deputed the officials for providing the service. The officials deputed are Junior Assistant, Shabir Ahmed, Mobile No. 7006628291 and Neelam Singh, Mobile No. 7006730529 in DC Office Complex, Junior Assistant, Zaffarullah Ahmed, Moblie No. 7889629158 in ACD Office, Office Patwari, Bahar Ahmed Runyal, Mobile No. 7889694008 in District Court Complex, and Accounts Assistant, Ropesh Kumar, Moblie No. 7889781627 in District Hospital Ramban for facilitating the general masses by providing them phone connectivity from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that all essential services and supplies including Health, power, water and ration are being provided to the public across the district.

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