Srinagar, September 26
Even as Jammu and Kashmir separatists and opposition parties spent the day either criticising or analysing the Centre’s eight-point peace initiative, some signs of normalcy returning to the strife-torn state were visible here today.

Confined to their homes for weeks together, the Valley residents heaved a sigh of relief as curfew was completely lifted from six districts — Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Budgam and Handwara. However, other restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC would remain in place in the districts, the police said.

And despite being a Sunday, schools, other educational institutions, banks and government offices resumed functioning in areas where curfew was lifted completely.

Notably, indefinite curfew was clamped in several areas of Kashmir on September 13 following the large-scale arson after Eid prayers. The string of protests, which claimed over 100 lives and left scores of others, including security personnel, injured, had sparked off after the death of a Kashmiri youth on a similar occasion a few months ago.

“Nobody likes to remain confined to their houses. This is for the first time that we came out (of their homes). I hope better sense prevails on all and the miseries of the Valley people end soon,” said Faisul Ahmed, a resident of Anantnag.

Besides the six districts, restrictions were relaxed in Kralpora and Trehgam areas of Kupwara (10:30 am-2 pm), Kupwara (12 noon to 6:30 pm); Khushal Matoo and Batpora in Sopore (11 am to 1 pm); across the Chanakhan Bridge towards degree college, Iqbal market, and Ganjoo House areas (3-5 pm). Similarly, in east, west, south and the Hazratbal zones of Srinagar city, restrictions were relaxed from 11 am and in the north zone from 1 pm to 5 pm.

In Ganderbal and Kangan areas, restrictions were relaxed from 11 am to 1 pm, which were further extended up to 7 pm. In Bandipora town, from 12 to 2 pm, and at Sumbal from 11 am to 1 pm, which was further extended up to 6 pm in Bandipora and up to 7 pm in Sumbal. In Baramulla and its adjoining areas, relaxation was from 3-6 pm while in Tangmarg and Kunzar areas from 1-4 pm and then extended up to 6 pm.