Authorities across Kashmir imposed sweeping restrictions on movement, gatherings and internet services on Monday after widespread protests erupted over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike.
The protests had earlier broken out in Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. The demonstrators were seen beating their chests and raising slogans against the United States and Israel. There are an estimated 15,000 Shiites in Kashmir.
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Lal Chowk has been closed and security has been tightened
Srinagar’s famous Lal Chowk has been completely sealed off with barricades and barbed wire, with heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force, to prevent fresh protests. Officials said similar restrictions were implemented at major intersections across the city and in Shia-dominated areas in other districts, news agency PTI reported. Officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary step to maintain law and order.
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He cut off the Internet and urged the media to be careful
Mobile internet speeds were reduced across all networks in the valley, with officials stressing that this was done to prevent the spread of rumors and mobilization through social media.
Kashmir Police also issued a warning asking media organizations to exercise restraint. “Please refrain from spreading unverified information, speculation or rumours; ensure all reports are confirmed by trusted and credible sources before publishing them; and avoid sensationalist headlines that may create unnecessary panic,” the advisory, as seen by PTI, read.
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The restrictions came in the wake of a one-day strike call by the Chairman of the Muttahida Ulema Council, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who called for a peaceful celebration, saying: “We urge people to celebrate it with complete unity, dignity and peace.”
The lockdown call was supported by several political parties, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, who described the day as a day of mourning and solidarity, according to the report.
Schools were closed, and a security review was conducted
Orders were issued to close all educational institutions, including private schools, for two days, and cancel exams as a precautionary measure. Barbed wire was put up on several roads and highways, and Lal Chowk, where hundreds protested on Monday, remained completely closed on Tuesday.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the situation and review the ongoing measures.
(With inputs from PTI, Hizb ut Tahrir correspondent)
