Despite the rumours being spread about the imposition of curfew restrictions following the death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, life remains normal in Kashmir valley

Despite rumours about imposition of curfew restrictions and death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, life was normal on Thursday in Kashmir valley, where dozens of leaders of mainstream political parties, including three former Chief Ministers, remained under detention since August 5, when centre scrapped Article 370 and 35 A, besides dividing the state into two Union Territories (UTs).

Rumours were spread during the past 24 hours that government will impose curfew restrictions again in the valley.

Media offices received hundreds of calls from different parts of the valley about the health condition of hardline Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and government decision to impose curfew again. Other calls were inquiring about central government’s alleged move to further strengthen its control over Jammu and Kashmir.

Since this morning rumours were being spread that curfew has been imposed in the downtown. There were, however, no restrictions.

However, the situation is normal with all shops and business establishments functioning and transport service plying normally in the valley, where spontaneous strike against scrapping of special status of the state crippled life for more than three months. Train service, which also remained suspended for over three months after scrapping of special status of J&K, is also running between Baramull in north Kashmir to Banihal in Jammu region via Srinagar normally.

Police said there is no restriction in any part of the valley. However, Central Paramilitary Force (CPMF) remained deployed in Kashmir valley, including summer capital, Srinagar to maintain law and order.

Three former Chief Ministers—Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti—ex-legislators and ex-ministers were among dozens of leaders who remained under detention since August 5. Dr Abdullah has been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA).