Day 80: Uncertainty, Shutdown Continues Across Kashmir

After the abrogation of Special Status in Jammu and Kashmir and the bifurcation of State into two Union Territories, uncertainty continues in Kashmir. The shutdown entered 80th running day on Wednesday with shops, schools, colleges and other business establishments shut while public transport is still off the roads. Only the private vehicles, mostly belonging to the government and semi-government employees ply on Kashmir roads. There is an increased transport movement in Srinagar civil line areas as compared to other districts. The vendors almost in every district barring few are doing brisk business while flea market in Srinagar is being thronged by customers.
The number of private vehicles plying on Srinagar roads has increased manifold over the past few days. A large number of Auto-rickshaws are also doing normal business, especially in the morning hours.
Customers can be seen thronging the flea for woolens and quilts. Internet suspension persists and the same is the case with pre-paid mobiles. There are no mobile internet and broadband services available to the people who are facing immense hardships in the absence of such services.
Rail service is also absent since August 5 when the Government of India abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.