Kashmir limps back to normalcy; mobile internet restored, restriction lifted

Srinagar: Mobile internet services were restored in Kashmir on Monday and authorities lifted restrictions for three hours on movement of people in Handwara and Kupwara towns, which had been rocked by violent protests that left five persons dead since last Tuesday.

Mobile internet services were restored a little past midnight as there was no major incident of protest or violence across Kashmir Valley yesterday, a police official said.

Internet services on mobile phones were snapped following violent protests against the alleged molestation of a girl in Handwara last Tuesday. Five persons were killed in security forces action against protesters in Handwara and nearby Kupwara towns in the days to follow.

Authorities have lifted the curfew-like restrictions in the twin towns of north Kashmir from 8.00 am to 11.00 am, the official said.

He said if the relaxation period passed off peacefully, it will be eased for rest of the day. "So far the situation is peaceful and there are no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere in the Valley including north Kashmir towns of Handwara and Kupwara," the official said.

Life in most parts of Kashmir has started limping back to normalcy after remaining paralysed for almost a week due to strikes and protests.

Train services between Baramulla in Kashmir and Banihal, across the Pir Panjal mountain range, resumed yesterday morning after remaining off the tracks for four days.