Srinagar, Aug 17 (KNO): The hustle and bustle returned in Kashmir on Monday after the government allowed the traders and transporters to resume their work in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic following the second phase of lockdown here to prevent the deadly virus from spreading.
The second phase of lockdown due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic started on July 12 after the spurt in the number of cases.
However, the administration eased the restrictions following which the markets and other business establishments re-opened today.
“All the shops and other business establishments re-opened today,” witnesses told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), adding that the shoppers were also seen buying essentials throughout the day in the markets at different places.
Witnesses further stated that the many of the places in Srinagar and other districts witnessed a traffic mess. Besides the rush of private vehicular movement, the public transporters too were seen ferrying passengers across Kashmir after several months of lockdown.
Earlier, an order issued by the District Magistrate Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, said that the administration has lifted restrictions on business and transport operations in Srinagar allowing a regulated resumption thereof.
“The decision to allow reopening of shops and resumption of operation of public transport service has been taken after careful consideration of different aspects of the situation as it exists in the district. It is notable that restrictions on business among other activities and operations in the district has been in place for around five months now with just a limited relaxation permitted during the month-long unlock period before restrictions had to be reimposed,” the order had said.
Meanwhile, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) president, Sheikh Ashiq told KNO that after reopening of markets, it stands the responsibility of common people as well as the traders to follow the guidelines in spirit to minimize the deadly virus from spreading.
He added that the people who are coming out to buy essentials or other things should also take maximum care while coming out of their homes. “Both the shopkeepers and the public at large should take all the precautions like wearing masks and follow other guidelines strictly to ensure the virus is prevented spreading,” he said.
“We know the business community has already suffered huge losses and after long time, the community has resumed its activity. Therefore, we wish and pray that people will obey the guidelines as if they will not follow the guidelines, the traders will have to suffer again,” Sheikh Ashiq added—(KNO)