Mahal ends curfew; recovery begins but challenges remain

Mahal began to recover on Sunday after six days of restrictions. The curfew was lifted, and shops that had been closed since last Monday’s violence started to reopen. Residents cautiously ventured outside, and some traffic returned to the main roads. However, busy streets weren't fully back to normal, as many local lanes remained shut or partially blocked. Some shopkeepers expressed relief but also uncertainty. Deepak, a local shop owner, shared his concerns. He said, "We were desperate to reopen, but we are still unsure if it's entirely safe." Anxiety lingered among residents despite the lifting of the curfew. Anil Jaiswal, a local, noted, "The silence was unbearable for six days. Today, at least there's some movement, but it doesn’t feel the same." Grocery stores finally reopened, providing easier access to essentials. Meena, a homemaker, explained the struggle to find basic items during the restrictions. "Now, at least we can buy things nearby," she said. However, some areas still showed signs of the recent unrest, with traces of the violence evident in certain neighborhoods. Many traders are assessing their losses before they fully reopen. A garment shop owner stated they would wait to see how the situation develops before making any decisions. Traffic was lighter than usual, but residents took a breath of fresh air as they met neighbors after days of staying indoors. While the curfew's end marked a step towards recovery, a complete return to normalcy is still uncertain. The streets are no longer silent, but the community's spirit remains cautious.