Nagpur, India: The curfew imposed in Nagpur after the violence on March 17 has been completely lifted. The last four areas—Kotwali, Tehsil, Ganeshpeth, and Yashodhara Nagar—were freed from restrictions from 3 pm on Sunday. However, police will continue to stay in sensitive areas to make sure peace is maintained.  

Earlier, the curfew was lifted from seven police areas, including Nandanvan, Kapil Nagar, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Lakadganj, Sakkardara, and Imambada. Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal said that even though the curfew is over, security forces will remain on high alert to prevent any trouble.  

The lifting of the curfew has brought relief to the people living in affected areas. Shops and markets have reopened, and business is slowly picking up. Mominpura, which is lively during Ramzan, is expected to return to its usual buzz. Traders who suffered heavy losses due to the curfew are hopeful that they can recover now, especially with Eid just a few days away.

The Nagpur Chamber of Commerce Limited (NCCL) thanked traders for their patience during the curfew. Leaders like Kailash Jogani, Govind Pasari, and Vijay Jaiswal said they hope businesses will soon return to normal.  

The curfew was lifted after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Nagpur on Saturday and reviewed the situation. His visit came just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on March 30. Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute extension. He will be joined by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and other leaders.   

Even though the situation is calm, police patrols will continue to prevent any further trouble. More than 100 people have been arrested in connection with the March 17 violence. Some senior police officers had concerns about lifting the curfew completely, especially after the large crowd at the funeral of Irfan Ansari, who died after being attacked during the violence.  

The police cyber wing is scanning YouTube and social media to identify those who spread unrest. Officers from different departments are checking social media posts and call data to trace those responsible. A possible link to Bangladesh is also being investigated.  

With the curfew lifted, people rushed to markets like Kirana Oli in Itwari to buy essentials. As the situation improves, shops are reopening, and traders are hoping for good business before Eid.  

Though life is returning to normal, police remain alert to ensure peace and safety in the city.