GILGIT, Oct 18: Thousands of passengers and tourists stranded here left the curfew-stricken city of Gilgit on Tuesday as authorities lifted curfew for three hours from 9:30 am to 12:30pm after five days.

Hunger-stricken people crowded food outlets during the curfew break.

Witnesses said that shopkeepers belonging to the adjoining areas left the city without opening their shops. Some shoppers said that shopkeepers demanded exorbitant prices from them given that few shops were open and there was no check on prices. Due to closure of banks and other financial institutions, people faced shortage of cash.

Thousands of stranded passengers jostled at bus stops to leave the city as early as possible. Foodstuff and other essential items were not available to cater to the demands and buyers were indifferent to choice and price and purchased whatever they managed to grab.

During the break a large number of patients were removed to hospitals and an equal number were discharged. The sources said that no untoward incident took place during the break.