Restrictions Continue in Kashmir After Protests Over Khamenei’s Killing

Srinagar, Mar 5: Normal life in Kashmir remained affected for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday as authorities continued to enforce partial restrictions on the movement and assembly of people following protests over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The restrictions were imposed on Monday after spontaneous protests erupted across the valley a day earlier against Khamenei’s killing in joint strikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel.

Officials said restrictions remained in force in several parts of Kashmir, with a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force, to prevent gatherings of protesters.

Concertina wires and barricades were placed at key intersections in Srinagar as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, the officials said.

The iconic Ghanta Ghar in the city centre of Lal Chowk continued to remain sealed, with the area barricaded since late Sunday night after it witnessed massive protests following the assassination.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday held a meeting with civil society representatives and religious leaders in an effort to restore normalcy.

After the meeting, Abdullah appealed to people to maintain peace while expressing their grief and anger in “mosques, shrines and Imambaras.”

The government has also ordered the closure of educational institutions across the valley until Saturday and reduced mobile internet speeds as part of precautionary measures.

Authorities said the restrictions were aimed at preventing further escalation and maintaining public order.

The protests are being described as the largest in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. (Agencies)