Srinagar: There was no let up in the ongoing shutdown and communication blockade affecting mobile telephony and internet in the Valley on Monday.
Across Srinagar, thin movement of private vehicles was seen plying on roads while public transport remained off the roads. Markets continued to remain shuttered and only roadside vendors were
doing business.
Early mornings, shops and commercial establishments opened and carried out trade. They shut their establishments before 10 am.
Government forces were deployed in strength across the city. At several places, forces were seen stopping vehicles at barricades and checkpoints established in the city including Srinagar’s airport
road. Forces have stepped up patrol and checkpoints in Srinagar after the government of India abrogated special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
The officials told PTI there were no restrictions anywhere in the valley, but forces were deployed in strength in vulnerable areas to maintain law and order.
Mobile telephony and internet shutdown continued across the Valley. The government has not been restoring the communications except for landlines in Kashmir since August 5.
The blackout has hit journalists for whom the government has established a media centre. But journalists have been demanding freeing the communication so that they are able to work freely.
Majority of political leaders of National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Peoples Conference are continuously under detention. A day ago, the government allowed 15-member NC
delegation to meet jailed former chief minister Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. The father-son duo has been held at their home and Hari Niwas on Gupkar.
The senior Abdullah, who is a member of parliament from Srinagar has been booked under Public Safety Act.

Reader correspondent