Srinagar: Normalcy returned to Srinagar after eight days of unrest over the alleged rape and murder of two women. Transport operated smoothly and other business establishments, school, colleges and shops were open. Everyone looked happy, especially the school children and shopkeepers. "We are happy as we rejoin our school after eight days. Now, we can enjoy with our friends at school," said Sabiya, a student. Teachers want educational institutions to be kept out of the purview of strikes as it was badly affecting the education sector in the state. "Our education system is worsening. Dark clouds of uncertainty surround the future of our children. Those who call strikes must think about students and poor people," said Yousuf, a teacher. Frequent protests are badly affecting businesses in the region. Now, shopkeepers want a ban on these strikes. "We oppose strikes. We want strikes to be banned completely. People termed these strikes as a weapon. We have called thousands of strikes, but achieved nothing," said Showkat Ahmad, a shopkeeper. Police on Monday said medical tests confirmed the rape of the two women.
-June 9, 2009