GILGIT, June 7: The Northern Areas administration relaxed curfew in parts of Gilgit for two hours on Monday. However, Burmas, Khomer, Nagral and Jutial areas continued to remain under restrictions, officials said.

The residents of the city, meanwhile, were running out of foodstuff and facing other problems owing to restrictions. Patients in need of treatment were taken to the DHQ hospital during the relaxation from 2pm to 4pm. A large number of people flocked to markets to buy essential commodities.

Gilgit district magistrate Judat Ayaz said the government would consider gradual relaxation in other areas if the situation remained peaceful. He said that Rawalpindi-Skardu Road had been opened.

Sources said that food supplies' situation in the adjoining Ghizer district was worsening, sources said. Many traders and customs officials were stranded in various areas under curfew.