Amid Corona Curfew, markets witness hustle bustle ahead of Eid

Srinagar, May 11: Even as the government claimed no partial relaxation in Corona Curfew, the markets across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley witnessed a huge rush of shoppers who were seen buying the essentials ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.
Some of the roads continued to wear a deserted look as the Corona Curfew remained in place for the 12th straight day in Jammu and Kashmir in order to prevent the cases from spreading.
The shoppers were seen busy in the markets buying essentials ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. According to eye-witnesses, bakery, mutton and chicken and readymade garment shops witnessed the rush of the shoppers.
The roads witnessed brisk vehicular movement coupled with traffic snarls at several places, they said.
They said some areas remained under lockdown where the police and paramilitary troopers were deployed and had erected concertina wires on the roads, thus halting the pedestrians as well as the vehicular movement.
Notably, the government has imposed lockdown across Jammu and Kashmir since April 29 evening in order to prevent the virus from spreading. The administration extended the Corona Curfew across J&K till May 17.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman in a statement issued here said 156 persons were arrested during the last 24 hours.
During the last 24 hours, Police has arrested 156 persons, lodged 86 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 104,350 from 672 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir valley, spokesman said.
“Besides, 44 vehicles were also seized in Budgam, Ganderbal and Shopian for violating guidelines and restrictions,” police said, adding that the special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs and guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, police urged people to cooperate in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs, guidelines and protocols for the safety of the people. “The special drive shall remain continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” police said.