Signs of normalcy have emerged in Kashmir after heavy snowfall on November 6.
Kashmir has been observing shutdown since the abrogation of Article 370 by the BJP- led government on August 5.
Heavy restrictions and communication blockade was imposed on Jammu and Kashmir by the government in anticipation of a reaction against the move on Article 370.
Kashmir reacted to the move with a shutdown which has frustrated the government. The shutdown completed 100 days on November 12.
The government tried to counter the shutdown by opening schools and colleges but students stayed away.
The communication blockade was partially lifted with the restoration of landlines and post-paid voice calls were restored after several weeks but the internet continues to remain shut.
Nearly a week after the heavy snowfall signs of normalcy in Kashmir have begun to emerge with shops remaining open for a longer duration from dawn and some minibuses have also returned to the roads in Srinagar
Street vendors have also returned to Srinagar's commercial heart at Lal Chowk.
The snowfall tested the preparations of the authorities.
Power supply remained suspended for three days due to the damage caused to the electric poles, and transmission lines.
Initially, snowfall slowed down business activities but in the last couple of days, it has gathered pace.
“We used to close at 10 am but now we keep open till noon to make up for the losses suffered,” said Ali Muhammad, a shopkeeper at Lal Chowk.
Similar views were expressed by other shopkeepers at several places around Lal Chowk.
Whether the onset of winter will spur normalcy remains to be seen. Many shopkeepers and transporters, according to the government, have been intimidated by separatists for ‘violating the shutdown’ against the removal of Article 370.
A shopkeeper at Parimpora in Srinagar was killed while four fruit growers were fired at in Sopore by militants for not observing the shutdown. Schools and colleges continue to remain dysfunctional due to the absence of students. Many schools have decided to ask students to write their exams at home before the term ends for winter vacation.
