Srinagar, Mar 4: Restrictions remained in force on Wednesday for the third consecutive day in parts of Kashmir, while mobile internet services continued to be throttled to prevent further protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The curbs were enforced strictly in areas with sizeable Shia populations.
In Srinagar, heavy deployment of police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel was witnessed in sensitive locations to deter demonstrations. Barricades were erected at key intersections leading into the city, and the commercial hub of Lal Chowk remained sealed.
Lal Chowk had witnessed large-scale protests on Sunday following Khamenei’s killing. Since then, authorities have closed all entry and exit points to the city centre using tin sheets and barricades.
Despite the restrictions since Monday, protests were reported from some areas during the last two days. Minor clashes between protesters and security forces also occurred, leaving a few people injured.
Mobile internet services across the Kashmir Valley continues to remain temporarily suspended. As per an order issued by the J&K Home Department, the restrictions will stay in place until 8 pm Wednesday. The duration may be extended further depending on the prevailing situation and subsequent review.
Meanwhile, educational institutions across Kashmir have been ordered to remain closed until March 7 as the security situation remains dicey amid protests and restrictions.
