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Rediff.com  » News » Valley prepares for Eid after prolonged unrest

Valley prepares for Eid after prolonged unrest

By Mukhtar Ahmad In Srinagar
September 30, 2008 22:10 IST
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Kashmiris are out shopping aplenty for the Eid festival which ends the month of  fasting-Ramadan.

The people of the VAlley are busy making purchases of eatables particularly bakery products, mutton, poultry and garments.

The capital Srinagar's markets look resplendent after a long time with the  three-month long agitation which took a toll of 50 lives and left hundreds wounded.

However, despite the festive look that the city centre presents, the separatists have called for a march to Lal Chowk on October 6.

Both the government and the separatists seem to be bracing up for the event with majority of the people apprehending the imposition of a curfew ahead of the march.

The people are making extra purchases this Eid festival to keep adequate stocks of essentials items available.

"Last month we faced lot of problems during the nine day long curfew. This time I won't repeat that mistake," said Mehraj-ud-Din a local resident.

The authorities though tight lipped on their likely response to the separatist march are finalising their deployment plans.

"We will respond as the situation develops. We will take all necessary measures needed to deal with a particular situation," a senior police officer said.
 
Dozens of marriages have been preponed because of the march which is an indication of its impact on society and civil life.

The marriages were earlier spread over the entire month of October which have now been scheduled later this week because of the fear of violence and curfew making marriage ceremonies impossible.

The famous Kashmiri chefs are going through a tough time to handle the rush of marriages banquets though it would also bring a windfall profit for them.

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Mukhtar Ahmad In Srinagar