Normalcy returned to Kashmir valley on Wednesday after two days of a separatist-sponsored strike to protest the death of a teenager in police firing, that had paralysed life.
Shops and business markets, educational institutions, banks and semi-government offices reopened this morning after remaining closed for two days in response to the call given by separatists against the killing of Malla and two other youths.
However, these establishments remained closed in Safakadal in old city, the native place of Malla, and Maisuma, as the fourth-day ceremony of the slain youth is being observed on Wednesday.
19-year-old Javid Ahmad Malla, who was returning home after attending funeral of his cousin, Mohammad Rafiq Bangroo, was killed and four others were injured when CRPF personnel opened fire on a group of agitating youth trying to set on fire the mobile bunker of 161 battalion of CRPF at Noorbagh locality of the old city.
The killing of Malla sparked fresh violence with the separatists giving a call for Kashmir bandh which was subsequently extended by another day.
Hardline Hurriyat Conference which had given the call for strike said there would be no strike today and tomorrow.
Fresh calendar will be issued on Thursday, a spokesperson of the conference said.
A meeting of all parties convened by moderate Hurriyat Conference headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq scheduled for today did not take place as authorities had either arrested leaders of the two factions of Hurriyat and other separatists parties or placed them under house arrest yesterday.
Five persons were on Tuesday injured when an irate mob, pelted stones on police and paramilitary personnel triggering clashes in the city, officials said.
