Normal life remains affected in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 9: Amid tension on Line of Control, normal life remained affected in various areas of Srinagar with schools shut and thin traffic on roads.

Following Friday prayers, large people offered prayers at Dargah Hazratbale, and others places. Locals prayed for peace and safety amid the cross-border tensions.

“Wars only bring destruction. Today, we pray for the peace and prosperity of Kashmir and the whole world. May Allah bring us out of these uncertain times,” Muhammad Akbar, a devotee at Hazrabal, said.

“There were long queues in banks as people came to withdraw cash. At Hazratbal brach, I waited for hours to get the cash and I came back empty handed as there was some system issue at the branch,” said Yasmeena a local.

Many Srinagarites also pointed out the hike in the prices of essentials, including daily-use food items. They said that amid the border tension and the closure of the highway, some shopkeepers are hiking prices, which is unfortunate.

“Just a week back, I used to buy a tray of eggs for under 150 rupees. For the past few days, I went twice, and both times the shopkeeper had hiked 10 rupees, bringing it to 170 rupees. When asked, they say that prices are changing from the main sellers. Authorities should keep an eye on these issues amid the tense situation,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a shopper.

Meanwhile, locals continued with the panic buying to ensure that food stock remained available for a longer time. The markets in downtown, the City center, and other areas witnessed a large number of people buying essentials, including groceries.

Meanwhile, amid the wet weather and closure of educational institutes, there was thin traffic on the roads in Srinagar.