Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Nov 07
Markets, shopping centres and religious places across Jammu and Kashmir witnessed increased activity on Saturday as people prepared to celebrate Diwali, with authorities strengthening security arrangements ahead of the festival.
In Jammu, markets and shopping malls reported a rise in shoppers ahead of Sunday’s festival, with retailers dealing in clothing, jewellery, electronics, automobiles and gifts witnessing increased footfall.
The shopping rush had picked up during Dhanteras on November 6 and continued through Saturday, traders said.
Apsara Road, Gole Market, Gandhi Nagar, Channi Himmat, Raghunath Bazar, Purani Mandi, Raj Tilak Road, City Chowk and Residency Road were among the busy shopping areas in Jammu city and its outskirts.
Sales of automobiles, gold and silver also recorded an upswing, following a brief slowdown in automobile sales during Navratri, according to market trends cited by traders.
Traditional earthen lamps, decorative lights, candles, flowers, sweets and idols of deities were among the items being purchased for the festival.
Customised candles priced between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 and scented candles costing Rs 250 to Rs 500 were available in markets.
Eco-friendly cow-dung diyas produced by women self-help groups in Jammu, Udhampur and other areas were also being sold.
Authorities had designated specific locations for the sale of firecrackers across Jammu division. In Jammu city, these included areas behind Hari Singh Park, Bahu Plaza, Ban Talab, Janipur and Gandhi Nagar.
Firecracker prices were reported to have increased by 15% to 20% compared with last year. Traders expected sales worth crores of rupees, with shopkeepers at Bahu Plaza reporting strong demand over the previous two days.
Green crackers were among the products available in the markets.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended Diwali greetings to people across the country.
Modi said the festival symbolised the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair.
In a message posted on the government’s Jan Sampark Portal, he said Diwali was also an occasion to celebrate India’s traditions and strengthen bonds of togetherness.
Sinha said the festival conveyed the message of virtue, justice, compassion and solidarity and called on people to support those in need.
Omar said Diwali represented the triumph of truth and righteousness and promoted hope, harmony, unity and mutual respect.
He expressed hope that the festival would bring peace, prosperity and progress to Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
Security arrangements were also strengthened across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar and along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, ahead of the celebrations.
In Srinagar, additional checkpoints were established and vehicles were subjected to frisking at several locations.
On the strategically important highway in south Kashmir, security measures were intensified at Vessu, Alstop, Mir Bazar and Khudwani.
Police teams conducted vehicle checks and frisking of passengers, while surveillance was increased at vulnerable points and entry and exit locations.
Additional checkpoints, round-the-clock patrolling and deployments of the Special Operations Group and other security forces were put in place at sensitive locations, markets and highways.
Police in Kulgam also intensified security reviews, area domination exercises and coordination with the Army and Central Reserve Police Force.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kulgam Anayat Ali Choudhary said security personnel had been deployed at vulnerable points along National Highway 44 to ensure the safety of commuters and residents.
He urged the public to cooperate with security personnel during checking operations and report suspicious activity.
Officials said the arrangements were aimed at ensuring peaceful celebrations amid increased public movement during the festival.
