Srinagar, Feb 18: After over week long curfew and strikes, Valley markets Monday opened witnessing some spurt in the business activities. All business establishments, banks, private offices remained open.
 City’s commercial hub Lal Chowk remained bustling with business activities. There was huge public rush at ATM kiosks, fuel stations, ration depots and grocery stores.
 Banks witnessed unprecedented rush of customers mostly withdrawing money.
 “I have come to withdraw pension as I had run out of the money,” said Ghulam Muhammad, a retired government employee who was waiting in queue at Soura branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
 “There was good rush of customers at our branches today,” said Bashir Ahmad Lone, President and zonal head, JK Bank, Kashmir (Central).
 There was also good demand for edibles. “My mother insisted me to purchase good amount of essential commodities and food items as one is not sure about how the condition will remain in the coming days,” Sajad Ahmad of Nowhatta, here said.
 “Most of the rush today was for essential commodities,” said Bashir Ahmad, Secretary, Kashmir Traders and Manufactures Federation (KTMF).
 “We received over 200 customers mostly asking for edibles and essentials,” said Muhammad Ashraf, a shopkeeper.
 Even roadside vendors had a good business today. Medical stores too witnessed a heavy rush.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 IST