Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Kashmir following large-scale protests over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
March 02, Srinagar: Authorities on Monday imposed restrictions on the movement of people in parts of Kashmir following massive street protests over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike.
The iconic Ghanta Ghar clock tower at Lal Chowk was sealed, with barricades erected around it, officials said. Large numbers of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force personnel were deployed across the city to prevent gatherings of protesters.
Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during what officials described as a joint Israeli-U.S. attack on Iran. Iranian state media confirmed his death Sunday, triggering protests and mourning in several places, including India.
Officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. Concertina wire and barricades were placed at key intersections leading into the city, they said. Similar restrictions were enforced in Shia-majority areas in other districts of the valley.
Authorities also closed all educational institutions, including private schools, for two days as a precaution to ensure student safety and maintain law and order.