Rajouri back to normalcy after 63 days of unrest
2 Sep 2008, 1443 Hrs

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Rajouri (J-K), Sep 2 (ANI): After grappling with more than two months over the Amarnath land row, Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir woke up to normalcy this morning.

Market places were open and the city was abuzz with activity, after a "broad agreement" was reached between a four-member Governor's panel and Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti (SAYSS), which was signed in wee hours of Sunday morning after marathon nine hour long meeting.

For residents, the resumption of normalcy after days of violent protests and agitation over the issue of allotment of land to the Amarnath Shrine Board for setting up temporary shelters for the devotees taking part in the annual Amarnath Yatra was a great relief as they were once again able to get back to their business.

"By the grace of god, things have returned back to normal. People are happy. Whatever decision was taken was good, be it in favour of anybody. The main point is that poor people like us are once again able to get back to business," said Haji Mohammed, a fruit vendor.

The residents were happy as they welcomed the restoration of normalcy.

"We are very happy. After two months, the market has opened and everything is going on smoothly amidst peaceful environment," said Bal Krishan, a shopkeeper.

In a landmark decision, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has decided to let the Amarnath shrine board make temporary use of 40-hectares of land during the yatra period.

The row over the land allocated for setting up temporary facilities for pilgrims visiting Amarnath shrine later its withdrawal had snowballed into large-scale protests for about two months.

Hundreds of people were injured in clashes over the protests. The state has suffered more than one billion dollars in lost business. (ANI)