SRINAGAR, Mar 7: Life returned to normal across Kashmir on Saturday after authorities lifted restrictions imposed earlier this week following protests in several parts of the Valley over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Officials said restrictions had been withdrawn from all areas and the situation was normal. Barricades erected at several locations, including the Lal Chowk city centre in Srinagar, were also removed to prevent public gatherings.
The iconic Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk, which had been sealed with barricades after witnessing massive protests on Sunday following Khamenei’s killing in a joint strike by the US and Israel, was reopened as security measures were eased.
Shops and other business establishments resumed operations in Lal Chowk and other parts of the city on Saturday morning, while both public and private transport services functioned normally, officials said.
Mobile internet services and prepaid SIM card services, suspended on Monday, were restored on Friday evening. However, educational institutions remained closed and are scheduled to reopen on March 9.
Officials said that although most barricades and the deployment of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel have been withdrawn from the city, authorities continue to closely monitor the situation.
Restrictions on movement and assembly had been imposed on Monday in several parts of Kashmir following widespread street protests after news of Khamenei’s killing spread.
Kashmir, home to around 15 lakh Shias, witnessed demonstrations in areas including Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama.
Protesters were seen beating their chests and raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, minor clashes between security forces and protesters were reported at a few places, with forces using limited force to maintain law and order. (Agencies)
